Exhibit 4.1
EXECUTION
THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO, as Guarantors
AND
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
6.625% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020
December 16, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE |
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SECTION 1.01. Definitions |
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1 |
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SECTION 1.02. Other Definitions |
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22 |
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SECTION 1.03. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act |
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23 |
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SECTION 1.04. Rules of Construction |
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23 |
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ARTICLE II THE NOTES |
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SECTION 2.01. Form and Dating |
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24 |
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SECTION 2.02. Execution and Authentication |
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25 |
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SECTION 2.03. Registrar, Paying Agent and Depositary |
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25 |
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SECTION 2.04. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust |
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25 |
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SECTION 2.05. Holder Lists; Communications With Other Holders |
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26 |
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SECTION 2.06. Transfer and Exchange |
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27 |
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SECTION 2.07. Replacement Notes |
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37 |
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SECTION 2.08. Outstanding Notes |
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37 |
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SECTION 2.09. Intentionally Omitted |
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38 |
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SECTION 2.10. Temporary Notes |
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38 |
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SECTION 2.11. Cancellation |
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38 |
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SECTION 2.12. Defaulted Interest |
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38 |
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SECTION 2.13. CUSIP, ISIN or Common Code Numbers |
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39 |
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SECTION 2.14. Issuance of Additional Notes |
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39 |
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ARTICLE III REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT |
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SECTION 3.01. Optional Redemption |
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40 |
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SECTION 3.02. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee |
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40 |
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SECTION 3.03. Selection by Trustee Of Notes to be Redeemed |
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40 |
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SECTION 3.04. Notice of Redemption |
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41 |
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SECTION 3.05. Deposit of Redemption Price |
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41 |
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SECTION 3.06. Notes Payable on Redemption Date |
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41 |
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SECTION 3.07. Notes Redeemed in Part |
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42 |
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SECTION 3.08. Mandatory Redemption |
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42 |
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SECTION 3.09. Repurchase at the Option of Holders |
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42 |
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ARTICLE IV COVENANTS |
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SECTION 4.01. Payment of Notes |
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44 |
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SECTION 4.02. Maintenance of Office or Agency |
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44 |
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SECTION 4.03. Reports |
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44 |
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SECTION 4.04. Intentionally Omitted |
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45 |
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SECTION 4.05. Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions |
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45 |
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SECTION 4.06. Payments for Consent |
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45 |
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SECTION 4.07. Restricted Payments |
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45 |
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SECTION 4.08. Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries |
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47 |
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SECTION 4.09. Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock |
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48 |
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SECTION 4.10. Limitation on Asset Sales |
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51 |
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SECTION 4.11. Transactions with Affiliates |
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53 |
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SECTION 4.12. Liens |
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54 |
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SECTION 4.13. Offer to Repurchase upon Change of Control |
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54 |
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SECTION 4.14. Corporate Existence |
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55 |
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SECTION 4.15. Additional Subsidiary Guarantees |
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55 |
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SECTION 4.16. Covenant Suspension |
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55 |
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ARTICLE V CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE |
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SECTION 5.01. Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets |
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56 |
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SECTION 5.02. Successor Corporation Substituted |
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57 |
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ARTICLE VI DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES |
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SECTION 6.01. Events of Default |
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58 |
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SECTION 6.02. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment |
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59 |
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SECTION 6.03. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee |
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60 |
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SECTION 6.04. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim |
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60 |
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SECTION 6.05. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Debt Securities |
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61 |
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SECTION 6.06. Application of Money Collected |
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61 |
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SECTION 6.07. Limitation on Suits |
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61 |
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SECTION 6.08. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest |
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62 |
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SECTION 6.09. Restoration of Rights and Remedies |
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62 |
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SECTION 6.10. Rights and Remedies Cumulative |
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62 |
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SECTION 6.11. Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
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62 |
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SECTION 6.12. Control by Holders |
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63 |
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SECTION 6.13. Waiver of Past Defaults |
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63 |
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SECTION 6.14. Undertaking for Costs |
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63 |
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SECTION 6.15. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws |
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63 |
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ARTICLE VII TRUSTEE |
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SECTION 7.01. Certain Duties and Responsibilities |
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64 |
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SECTION 7.02. Notice of Defaults |
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64 |
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SECTION 7.03. Certain Rights of Trustee |
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65 |
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SECTION 7.04. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Notes |
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66 |
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SECTION 7.05. May Hold Notes |
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66 |
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SECTION 7.06. Money Held in Trust |
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66 |
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SECTION 7.07. Compensation and Reimbursement |
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66 |
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SECTION 7.08. qualification; Conflicting Interests |
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67 |
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SECTION 7.09. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
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67 |
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SECTION 7.10. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
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67 |
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SECTION 7.11. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor |
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68 |
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SECTION 7.12. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business |
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68 |
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SECTION 7.13. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company |
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69 |
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SECTION 7.14. Appointment of Authenticating Agent |
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69 |
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SECTION 7.15. Intentionally Omitted |
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70 |
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SECTION 7.16. Reports by Trustee |
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70 |
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ARTICLE VIII DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE |
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SECTION 8.01. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture |
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71 |
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SECTION 8.02. Application of Trust Money |
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72 |
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SECTION 8.03. Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance |
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72 |
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SECTION 8.04. Legal Defeasance and Discharge |
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72 |
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SECTION 8.05. Covenant Defeasance |
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72 |
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SECTION 8.06. Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance |
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73 |
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SECTION 8.07. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions |
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74 |
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SECTION 8.08. Repayment to Company |
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74 |
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SECTION 8.09. Reinstatement |
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74 |
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SECTION 8.10. Survival |
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75 |
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ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES |
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SECTION 9.01. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders |
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75 |
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SECTION 9.02. Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders |
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76 |
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SECTION 9.03. Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
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77 |
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SECTION 9.04. Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
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77 |
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SECTION 9.05. Conformity With Trust Indenture Act |
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77 |
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SECTION 9.06. Reference in Notes to Supplemental Indentures |
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77 |
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SECTION 9.07. Notice of Supplemental Indenture |
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77 |
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ARTICLE X NOTE GUARANTEES |
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SECTION 10.01. Unconditional Guarantee |
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77 |
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SECTION 10.02. Execution and Delivery of Guarantee |
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79 |
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SECTION 10.03. Limitation on Guarantors’ Liability |
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79 |
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SECTION 10.04. Release of Guarantors from Guarantee |
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79 |
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SECTION 10.05. Guarantor Contribution |
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80 |
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ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS |
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SECTION 11.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls |
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80 |
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SECTION 11.02. Notices |
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80 |
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SECTION 11.03. Intentionally Omitted |
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81 |
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SECTION 11.04. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent |
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81 |
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SECTION 11.05. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion |
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81 |
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SECTION 11.06. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agents |
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82 |
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SECTION 11.07. Business Days |
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82 |
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SECTION 11.08. Governing Law |
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82 |
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SECTION 11.09. No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders |
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82 |
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SECTION 11.10. Successors |
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83 |
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SECTION 11.11. Multiple Originals |
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83 |
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SECTION 11.12. Table of Contents; Headings |
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83 |
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SECTION 11.13. Severability |
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83 |
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SECTION 11.14. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements |
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83 |
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SECTION 11.15. Force Majeure |
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83 |
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EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A — FORM OF GLOBAL NOTE
EXHIBIT B — FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
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EXHIBIT C — FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
EXHIBIT D — FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR
EXHIBIT E — FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE
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CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*
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TIA Section |
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Indenture Section |
310 |
(a)(1) |
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7.09 |
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(a)(2) |
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7.09 |
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(a)(3) |
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N.A. |
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(a)(4) |
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N.A. |
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(a)(5) |
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7.09 |
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(b) |
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7.08 |
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(c) |
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N.A. |
311 |
(a) |
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7.13 |
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(b) |
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7.13 |
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(c) |
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N.A. |
312 |
(a) |
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2.05 |
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(b) |
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2.05 |
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(c) |
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2.05 |
313 |
(a) |
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7.16 |
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(b)(1) |
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7.16 |
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(b)(2) |
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7.16 |
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(c) |
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7.16; 11.02 |
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(d) |
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7.16 |
314 |
(a) |
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4.03 |
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(a)(4) |
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11.05 |
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(b) |
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N.A. |
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(c)(1) |
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11.04 |
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(c)(2) |
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11.04 |
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(c)(3) |
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N.A. |
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(d) |
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N.A. |
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(e) |
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11.05 |
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(f) |
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N.A. |
315 |
(a) |
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7.01 |
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(b) |
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7.02; 11.01 |
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(c) |
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7.01 |
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(d) |
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7.01 |
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(e) |
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6.14 |
316 |
(a)(last sentence) |
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2.08 |
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(a)(1)(A) |
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6.12 |
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(a)(1)(B) |
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6.13 |
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(a)(2) |
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N.A. |
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(b) |
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6.08 |
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(c) |
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N.A. |
317 |
(a)(1) |
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6.03 |
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(a)(2) |
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6.04 |
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(b) |
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2.04 |
318 |
(a) |
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11.01 |
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(b) |
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N.A. |
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(c) |
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1.03 |
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N.A. |
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means not applicable. |
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* |
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This Cross Reference-Table is not part of the Indenture. |
-v-
INDENTURE dated as of December 16, 2010 (this “
Indenture”), is by and among The
Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company, an Ohio corporation (such corporation and any successor, the “
Company”), the
Guarantors (as defined below) and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association,
as trustee (such corporation and any successor, the “
Trustee”).
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and
ratable benefit of the Holders of (i) the Company’s 6.625% Senior Notes due 2020 issued on the
Closing Date (the “Initial Notes”), (ii) any Additional Notes (as defined herein) that may be
issued on any other Issue Date and (iii) if and when issued pursuant to the Registration Rights
Agreement (as defined herein), any Exchange Notes (as defined herein) issued in exchange for
Initial Notes or Additional Notes (all such Notes in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) being referred to
collectively as the “Notes”).
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH, For and in consideration of the premises and the
purchase of Notes by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and
proportionate benefit of all Holders of Notes, as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
SECTION 1.01. DEFINITIONS.
“2018 Notes” means those certain 7.25% senior notes due 2018 issued by the Company to certain
holders thereof under the 2018 Notes Indenture.
“2018 Notes Indenture” means that certain Base Indenture among the Company, the Guarantors and
the Trustee, dated as of January 14, 2010, as amended, supplemented and modified by that certain
First Supplemental Indenture among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, dated as of January
14, 2010, as may be further amended, supplemented and modified.
“2018 Notes Issue Date” means January 14, 2010.
“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 Subsidiary of such specified Person, whether or not such
Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person
merging with or into, or becoming a Subsidiary of, such specified Person; and
(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified
Person.
“Additional Interest” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
“Additional Notes” means Notes issued in accordance with Section 2.14.
“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,” 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. For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under
common control with” shall have correlative meanings.
“Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, co-registrar or additional paying agent.
“Applicable Premium” means, with respect to a Note at any Redemption Date, the greater of
(i) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (ii) the excess of (A) the present value at such
time of (1) the Redemption Price of such Note at December 15, 2015 (such Redemption Price being set
forth in the table in Section 3.01) plus (2) all required interest payments due on such Note
(excluding accrued and unpaid interest to such Redemption Date) through December 15, 2015, computed
using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (B) the principal
amount of such Note.
“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer, redemption or exchange of or for
beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and
Clearstream that apply to such transfer, redemption or exchange at the relevant time.
“Asset Sale” means:
(1) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or rights,
including by means of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction, but other than sales of inventory in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices; provided that the sale,
conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions of Section
4.13 and/or Article V and not by the provisions of Section 4.10; and
(2) the issuance of Equity Interests by any of the Company’s Restricted
Subsidiaries or the sale of Equity Interests in any of its Subsidiaries.
Notwithstanding the preceding, the following items shall not be deemed to be Asset Sales:
(1) any single transaction or series of related transactions that: (a) involves
assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $15.0 million; or (b) results in
aggregate net proceeds to the Company and its Subsidiaries of less than $15.0 million;
(2) a transfer of assets (a) between or among the Company and its Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or any of its Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiaries or (c) by the Company or any of its Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiaries to any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary if, in the case of this clause (c), the Company or the Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, either retains title to or ownership of the
assets being transferred or receives consideration at the time of such transfer at least
equal to the fair market value of the transferred assets;
(3) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to
a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary;
(4) the sale, transfer or discount of any receivables pursuant to a Receivables
Financing that is otherwise permitted by this Indenture;
(5) any Permitted Investment or any Restricted Payment that is permitted by Section
4.07;
(6) a disposition of inventory in the ordinary course of business or a disposition
of obsolete equipment or equipment that is no longer useful in the conduct of the business
of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and that is disposed of in the ordinary
course of business;
(7) the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company governed by, and made in accordance with,
Section 5.01;
(8) the grant of Liens permitted by Section 4.12;
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(9) the surrender or waiver of contractual rights or the settlement, release or
surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind; and
(10) any restructuring, regardless of whether accomplished by liquidation,
contribution, distribution, merger or any other technique, whereby the ownership of Foreign
Subsidiaries is changed, so long as each such Foreign Subsidiary that is a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company prior to such restructuring remains, directly or indirectly, a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company after such restructuring.
“Attributable Indebtedness” when used with respect to any Sale and Leaseback Transaction,
means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at a rate borne by the Notes,
compounded on a semi-annual basis) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments
during the remaining term of the lease included in any such Sale and Leaseback Transaction.
“Average Net Indebtedness” means the average of the Net Indebtedness of the Company at the end
of each of the four fiscal quarters comprising the Reference Period for which the Leverage Ratio is
being calculated.
“Authenticating Agent” has the meaning specified in Section 7.14.
“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code, or any similar federal, state or foreign law for
the relief of debtors.
“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 such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” shall be deemed to
have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire, whether
such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent
condition.
“Board of Directors” means, as to any Person, the board of directors of such Person or any
duly authorized committee thereof.
“Board Resolution” means, with respect to any Person, a copy of a resolution certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Person to have been duly adopted by the Board of
Directors of such Person and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and
delivered to the Trustee.
“Broker-Dealer” means any broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in
any Registered Exchange Offer in exchange for Notes that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a
result of market-making or other trading activities.
“
Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking
institutions in
New York are authorized or required by law to close.
“Capital 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 that time be required to be
capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.
“Capital Stock” means:
(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares,
interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate
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 ownership interest 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.
“Cash Equivalents” means:
(a) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the
United States government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one year from the date of
acquisition;
(b) certificates of deposit, time deposits, eurodollar time deposits or overnight
bank deposits having maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition issued by
any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof
having combined capital and surplus of not less than $300,000,000;
(c) commercial paper of an issuer rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Xxxxx’x, or
carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency, if both of the two
named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of commercial paper issuers generally, and
maturing within one year from the date of acquisition;
(d) repurchase obligations of any commercial bank satisfying the requirements of
clause (b) of this definition, having a term of not more than 30 days, with respect to
securities issued or fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government;
(e) securities with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition
issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States, by
any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth or territory
or by any foreign government, the securities of which state, commonwealth, territory,
political subdivision, taxing authority or foreign government (as the case may be) are rated
at least A by S&P or A by Xxxxx’x;
(f) securities with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition
backed by standby letters of credit issued by any commercial bank satisfying the
requirements of clause (b) of this definition;
(g) money market mutual or similar funds that invest exclusively in assets
satisfying the requirements of clauses (a) through (f) of this definition; or
(h) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in SEC Rule 2a-7
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by
Xxxxx’x and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way
of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a
whole to any “person” (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other
than a Principal or a Related Party of a Principal;
(2) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the
Company;
(3) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger
or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” (as defined above), other than
the Principals and their Related Parties, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or
indirectly, of 50% or more of the Voting Stock of the Company, measured by voting power
rather than number of shares; or
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(4) the consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any Person, or the
consolidation or merger of any Person with or into the Company, in any such event pursuant
to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is converted
into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, excluding any such transaction
where the Voting Stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction is
converted into or exchanged for Voting Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of
the surviving or transferee Person constituting a majority of the outstanding shares of
such Voting Stock of such surviving or transferee Person (immediately after giving effect to
such issuance).
“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, Luxembourg.
“Closing Date” means December 16, 2010.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted,
created under the Exchange Act, or if at any time after the execution of this instrument such
Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture
Act, then the body performing such duties on such date.
“Common Stock” means with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interests or other
participations in, and other equivalents (however designated and whether voting or nonvoting) of,
such Person’s common stock whether or not outstanding on the Issue Date, and includes, without
limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.
“Company Request” and “Company Order”
mean, respectively, a written request or order signed in
the name of the Company by the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer, the
President, the Chief Financial Officer or a Vice President and by the Treasurer, an Assistant
Treasurer, the Controller, an Assistant Controller, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
Company, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Consolidated Cash Flow” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated
Net Income of such Person for such period plus, without duplication:
(1) provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was
deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(2) consolidated net interest expense of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period whether paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized
(including, without limitation, amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest
payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component
of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations and Attributable Indebtedness,
commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or
bankers’ acceptance financings, and net payments, if any, pursuant to Hedging Obligations
but excluding amortization of debt issuance costs), to the extent that any such expense was
deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(3) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior
period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that
it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or
amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period and any non-cash
charge, expense or loss relating to write-offs, write-downs or reserves with respect to
accounts receivable or inventory) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such
period to the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses were
deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus (or minus)
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(4) for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio only, any
non-recurring expenses or losses (or income or gains); minus
(5) non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other
than items that were accrued in the ordinary course of business,
in each case, on a consolidated basis for such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries and
determined in accordance with GAAP.
Notwithstanding the preceding, the provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, and
the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow of the Company
only to the extent that a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to
be dividended to the Company by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior approval (that has not
been obtained), pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments,
decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Subsidiary or its
stockholders (other than restrictions in effect on the 2018 Notes Issue Date and other than
restrictions that are created or exist in compliance with Section 4.08).
“Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the
aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a
consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that:
(1) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is accounted for by the equity
method of accounting or is not a Restricted Subsidiary shall be included only to the extent
of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the specified Person or a
Restricted Subsidiary thereof;
(2) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent
that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted
Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any
prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by
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 (other than restrictions in effect on the 2018 Notes Issue Date and other than
restrictions that are created or exist in compliance with Section 4.08);
(3) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be excluded,
whether or not distributed to the specified Person or one of its Subsidiaries; and
(4) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded.
“Consolidated Total Assets” of the Company as of any date means all amounts that would, in
accordance with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption “total assets” (or any like caption) on the
consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the last day of the
fiscal quarter immediately preceding such date for which internal financial statements are
available at the time of calculation, after giving pro forma effect to all transactions occurring
subsequent to the end of such fiscal quarter and on or prior to such date of calculation which gave
or give rise to the need to calculate Consolidated Total Assets.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee specified in Section 11.02 or any
other office specified by the Trustee from time to time pursuant to such Section.
“Credit Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of
February 7, 2007, by and among the Company, the subsidiary borrowers parties thereto and the banks
and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto as agents and lenders, and any
related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection
therewith, and in each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from
time to time.
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“Credit Facility” means, with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries:
(1) the Credit Agreement; and
(2) one or more debt facilities (which may be outstanding at the same time) or
other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities or
indentures) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or other long-term indebtedness,
including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements
executed in connection therewith, and, in each case, any amendments, supplements,
modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements or refundings thereof and any indentures
or credit facilities or commercial paper facilities that replace, refund or refinance any
part of the loans, notes, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any
such replacement, refunding or refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount
permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof or adds Restricted
Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any
other agent, lender or group of lenders.
“Currency Protection Agreement” means any currency protection agreement entered into with one
or more financial institutions in the ordinary course of business that is designed to protect the
Person or entity entering into the agreement against fluctuations in currency exchange rates with
respect to Indebtedness incurred and not for purposes of speculation.
“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.
“Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12.
“Definitive Note” means one or more certificated Notes registered in the name of the Holder
thereof, issued in accordance with Section 2.06, and in the form of Exhibit A hereto.
“Depositary” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global
form, the person specified in or pursuant to Section 2.03 as the Depositary with respect to the
Notes, until a successor shall have been appointed and become such pursuant to the applicable
provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter, “Depositary” means or includes such successor.
“Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case at the option
of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable,
pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder
thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the
Notes mature. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute
Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Company to
repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not
constitute Disqualified Stock.
“Distribution Compliance Period” means the 40-day Distribution Compliance Period provided for
in Regulation S.
“Domestic Restricted Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, any Restricted Subsidiary
that was formed under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof.
“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 a public or private sale for cash by the Company of its Common Stock
(other than Disqualified Stock), or options, warrants or rights with respect to its Common Stock,
other than public offerings with respect to the Company’s Common Stock, or options, warrants or
rights, registered on Form S-4 or S-8.
“Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V., or its successor, as operator of the Euroclear
system.
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“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Exchange Notes” means, if and when issued pursuant to an Exchange Offer Registration
Statement as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement, Notes of the Company registered under
the Securities Act issued in exchange for Initial or Additional Notes with terms substantially
identical in all material respects to the Initial Notes or Additional Notes for which such Notes
were exchanged.
“Exchange Offer” means the exchange offer of the Exchange Notes for the Notes as provided in
the Registration Rights Agreement.
“Exchange Offer Registration Statement” means a registration statement in respect of Exchange
Notes prepared pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.
“Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and
Marketing Agreement between the Company and Monsanto Company, dated as of September 30, 1998 (as
amended as of March 10, 2005 and March 28, 2008), as the same may be amended, modified, restated,
extended, renewed or replaced from time to time.
“Existing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
(other than Indebtedness under the 2018 Notes, the Credit Agreement and the Receivables Purchase
Agreement) in existence on the date of this Indenture, until such amounts are repaid.
“fair market value” means, with respect to any asset or property, the price which could be
negotiated in an arm’s-length, free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a
willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the
transaction.
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period (for
purposes of this definition, the “Reference Period”), the ratio of Consolidated Cash Flow of such
Person for the Reference Period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for the Reference Period. In
the event that the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes,
Guarantees, redeems or otherwise repays any Indebtedness (other than the incurrence or repayment of
Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes pursuant to any
revolving credit arrangement) or issues or redeems preferred stock, in each case, after the end of
the Reference Period and on or prior to the date of the event for which the calculation of the
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (for purposes of this definition, the “Calculation Date”), then
the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence,
assumption, Guarantee, redemption or other repayment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or
redemption of preferred stock and all other such incurrences, assumptions, Guarantees, redemptions,
repayments or issuances that occurred after the first day of the Reference Period and on or prior
to the Calculation Date, in each case, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the
Reference Period.
In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:
(1) acquisitions, dispositions or Investments outside the ordinary course of
business that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing
transactions, after the first day of the Reference Period and on or prior to the Calculation
Date shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the Reference Period and
Consolidated Cash Flow for the Reference Period shall be calculated without giving effect to
clause (3) of the proviso set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”;
(2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as
determined in accordance with GAAP, shall be excluded; and
(3) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation
Date, shall be excluded, but
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only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such
Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date.
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without
duplication, of:
(1) the consolidated net interest expense of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued, including, without limitation,
amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component
of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with
Capital Lease Obligations and Attributable Indebtedness, commissions, discounts and other
fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings,
and net payments, if any, pursuant to Hedging Obligations, but excluding amortization of
debt issuance costs and other non-cash amortization; plus
(2) the consolidated interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that
was capitalized during such period; plus
(3) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by
such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such
Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is
called upon; plus
(4) the product of (a) all dividend payments, whether or not in cash, on any series
of preferred stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividend
payments on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, times (b) a
fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then
current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a
decimal, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, any Subsidiary that was not formed
under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in
effect on the Issue Date.
“Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(f)(ii), which is required to
be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.
“Global Notes” means one or more Notes in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A issued under
this Indenture that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary
or its nominee.
“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, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements
in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness.
“Guarantors” means:
(1) each Restricted Subsidiary of the Company on the date of this Indenture, except
for the Company’s Foreign Subsidiaries and Scotts Global Services, Inc., an Ohio
corporation; SMGM LLC, an Ohio limited liability company; SMG Brands, Inc., a Delaware
corporation; Scotts Global Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation; and Teak 2, Ltd.,
f/k/a Xxxxx & Xxxxxx, Ltd., a Delaware corporation; and
(2) any other Subsidiary of the Company that executes a Subsidiary Guarantee in
accordance with the provisions of this Indenture;
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and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until such Person is released from its
Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
“Hedging Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person under swap, cap,
collar, forward purchase or similar agreements or arrangements dealing with interest rates,
currency exchange rates or commodity prices, either generally or under specific contingencies.
“Holder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.
“IAI Global Note” means one or more Global Notes bearing the Private Placement Legend that
will be issued in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Initial
Notes that may be resold to Institutional Accredited Investors on any Issue Date.
“Indebtedness” means at any time (without duplication), with respect to any Person, whether
recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person, or non-recourse, the following:
(i) all indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed or for the deferred purchase
price of property, excluding any trade payables or other current liabilities incurred in the
ordinary course of business;
(ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other
similar instruments;
(iii) all unpaid reimbursement obligations of such Person with respect to letters of
credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person
(other than to the extent secured by cash or Cash Equivalents);
(iv) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title
retention agreement with respect to property or assets acquired by such Person (even if the
rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are
limited to repossession or sale of such property or assets);
(v) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person (but excluding obligations under
operating leases);
(vi) the maximum fixed redemption or repurchase price of Disqualified Stock in such
Person at the time of determination;
(vii) any Hedging Obligations of such Person at the time of determination;
(viii) any Attributable Indebtedness; and
(ix) all obligations of the types referred to in clauses (i) through (viii) of this
definition of another Person and all dividends and other distributions of another Person,
the payment of which, in either case, (A) such Person has Guaranteed or (B) is secured by
(or the holder of such Indebtedness or the recipient of such dividends or other
distributions has an existing right, whether contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any
Lien upon the property or other assets of such Person, even though such Person has not
assumed or become liable for the payment of such Indebtedness, dividends or other
distributions.
For purposes of the foregoing:
(a) the maximum fixed repurchase price of any Disqualified Stock that does not have
a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such
Disqualified Stock as if such Disqualified Stock was repurchased on any date on which
Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture; provided,
however, that, if such Disqualified Stock is not then permitted to be repurchased, the
repurchase price shall be the book value of such Disqualified Stock;
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(b) the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness issued with original
issue discount is the principal amount of such Indebtedness less the remaining unamortized
portion of the original issue discount of such Indebtedness at such time as determined in
conformity with GAAP, but such Indebtedness shall be deemed incurred only as of the date of
original issuance thereof;
(c) the amount of any Indebtedness described in clause (ix)(a) above shall be the
maximum liability under any such Guarantee;
(d) the amount of any Indebtedness described in clause (ix)(b) above shall be the
lesser of (I) the maximum amount of the obligations so secured and (II) the fair market
value of such property or other assets; and
(e) interest, fees, premium, and expenses and additional payments, if any, will not
constitute Indebtedness.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with the purchase or sale by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of any assets or business, the term “Indebtedness” will exclude (x) customary
indemnification obligations and (y) post-closing payment adjustments to which the other party may
become entitled to the extent such payment is determined by a final closing balance sheet or such
payment is otherwise contingent; provided, however, that such amount would not be required to be
reflected on the face of a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.
“Indirect Participant” means an entity that, with respect to any Depositary, clears through or
maintains a direct or indirect, custodial relationship with a Participant.
“Initial Purchasers” means Xxxxxxx Lynch, Pierce, Xxxxxx & Xxxxx Incorporated, X.X. Xxxxxx
Securities LLC, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Credit Agricole Securities (USA) Inc., Rabo
Securities USA, Inc., RBS Securities Inc., Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., Xxxxx Fargo Securities, LLC,
Fifth Third Securities, Inc., Mizuho Securities USA Inc., Comerica Securities, Inc., Mitsubishi UFJ
Securities (USA), Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.
“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, that is not also a QIB.
“interest” means, with respect to the Notes, interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the
Notes.
“Interest Payment Date” with respect to any Note means June 15 and December 15 of each year,
commencing June 15, 2011, provided that if such Interest Payment Date is not a Business Day,
interest due on such Interest Payment Date shall be payable on the next succeeding Business Day.
“Investment Grade Rating” means a debt rating of the Notes of BBB- or higher by S&P and Baa3
or higher by Moody’s or the equivalent of such ratings by S&P and Moody’s or in the event S&P or
Moody’s shall cease rating the Notes and the Company shall select any other Rating Agency, the
equivalent of such ratings by such other Rating Agency.
“Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other
Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of direct or indirect loans (including guarantees of
Indebtedness or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel
and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business), purchases
or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities,
together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared
in accordance with GAAP. 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 shall 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).
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“Issue Date” means, in respect of Initial Notes of any series, the Closing Date or other date
on which Initial Notes of such series are originally issued under this Indenture.
“Joint Venture” means any joint venture which is, directly or indirectly, engaged primarily in
a Related Business, and the Equity Interests of which are owned by the Company and/or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries and/or one or more Persons other than the Company and/or any of its
Affiliates.
“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 a Registered Exchange Offer.
“Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any specified Person as of any date, the ratio of (i)
Average Net Indebtedness of such Person on such date to (ii) Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person
for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on such date (for purposes of this
definition and the definition of Average Net Indebtedness, the “Reference Period”). In the event
that the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, Guarantees,
redeems or otherwise repays any Indebtedness (other than the incurrence or repayment of
Indebtedness in the ordinary course of business for working capital purposes pursuant to any
revolving credit arrangement), or issues or redeems preferred stock, or makes any Specified
Payment, in each case, after the end of the Reference Period and on or prior to the date of the
event for which the calculation of the Leverage Ratio is made (for purposes of this definition, the
“Calculation Date”), then the Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to (x)
such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee, redemption or other repayment of Indebtedness, or (y) such
issuance or redemption of preferred stock, or (z) such Specified Payment (including the incurrence
of Indebtedness (without duplication of any incurrence included pursuant to the foregoing clause
(x)) or the use of cash to fund such Specified Payment) and (I) all other such incurrences,
assumptions, Guarantees, redemptions, repayments or issuances that occurred after the first day of
the Reference Period and on or prior to the Calculation Date and (II) all other Specified Payments
that occurred after the end of the Reference Period and on or prior to the Calculation Date, in
each case, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the Reference Period.
In addition, for purposes of calculating the Leverage Ratio:
(1) acquisitions, dispositions or Investments outside the ordinary course of
business that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing
transactions, after the first day of the Reference Period and on or prior to the Calculation
Date shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the Reference Period and
Consolidated Cash Flow for such Reference Period shall be calculated without giving effect
to clause (3) of the proviso set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Net Income”;
(2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as
determined in accordance with GAAP, shall be excluded;
(3) the Indebtedness attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation
Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such
Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date; and
(4) in giving pro forma effect to a Specified Payment, to the extent that the
Specified Payment would have exceeded the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents of such Person
and its Restricted Subsidiaries that would have been available to fund such Specified
Payment as of any date that Net Indebtedness is calculated, the amount of such excess shall
be deemed to have been funded by additional Indebtedness.
“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.
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“Maturity” when used with respect to any Note means the date on which the principal of such
Note or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether
at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, repayment or
repurchase at the option of the Holder thereof or otherwise.
“Moody’s” means Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc. or any successor rating agency.
“Net Cash Proceeds” with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock, means the cash
proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, underwriters’ or
placement agents’ fees, listing fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other
fees and charges actually incurred in connection with
such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a result of such issuance or sale
(after taking into account any available tax credit or deductions and any tax sharing
arrangements).
“Net Income” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) attributable to such
Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction
in respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however:
(1) any extraordinary gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes
on such extraordinary gain or loss; and
(2) any non-cash expenses attributable to grants or exercises of employee stock
options.
“Net Indebtedness” means, in respect of any Person at any date, (a) the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of all Indebtedness for borrowed money of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries at such date, plus (b) all other items which would properly be included as
indebtedness, determined in accordance with GAAP, on a consolidated balance sheet of such Person
and its Restricted Subsidiaries at such date, minus (c) unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents set
forth on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as at such
date.
“Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash
received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset
Sale), net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal,
accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred
as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof, in each case after taking into
account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements and amounts
required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the asset or assets
that were the subject of such Asset Sale.
“Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness:
(1) as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a)
provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that
would constitute Indebtedness), (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or
otherwise, or (c) constitutes the lender;
(2) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders thereof
may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit upon
notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Indebtedness (other than the Notes) of
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other
Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated
Maturity; and
(3) as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they will not have
any recourse to the stock or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
“Non-U.S. Person” means any Person other than a U.S. Person.
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“Note Register” means a register (the registers maintained in such office and in any other
office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred
to as the “Note Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe,
the Company shall provide for the registration of Notes and of transfers and exchanges of Notes
which the Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee (or at the
appropriate office of any other Registrar appointed hereunder).
“Notes” has the meaning stated in the recital of this Indenture and more particularly means
any Notes authenticated and delivered under this Indenture. From and after the issuance of any
Additional Notes (but not for purposes of determining whether such issuance is permitted
hereunder), “Notes” shall include such Additional Notes for purposes of this Indenture from time to
time issued with respect to any Initial Notes that constitute such Additional Notes. All Notes, including any such Additional Notes, shall vote together as one
series of Notes under this Indenture.
“Notes Custodian” means the custodian with respect to any Global Note (as appointed by the
Depositary), or any successor entity thereto covered in Section 2.03.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications,
reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any
Indebtedness.
“Offering Memorandum” means the offering memorandum dated December 13, 2010 relating to the
issuance of $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Initial Notes.
“Officers” means any of the following: the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief
Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating
Officer, the President, a Vice
President, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, an Assistant Controller, the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company or a Guarantor.
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by the Chairman of
the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief
Operating Officer, the President or a Vice President and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer,
the Controller, an Assistant Controller, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company and
delivered to the Trustee.
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel, who may be internal counsel
for the Company, or who is otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Trustee complying with the
provisions in this Indenture.
“Outstanding Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.08.
“Participant” means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who
has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively (and, with respect to
DTC, shall include Euroclear and Clearstream).
“Payment” means, with respect to the Notes and Guarantees, any payment, whether in cash or
other assets or property, of interest, principal, premium, Additional Interest or any other amount
on, of or in respect of the Notes, any other acquisition of Notes and any deposit into the trust
described in Article VIII. The verb “pay” has a correlative meaning.
“Permitted Additional Restricted Payment” means additional Restricted Payments made by the
Company, if before and after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted Payment, the Leverage Ratio
of the Company as of the end of the most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial
statements are available is less than 2.50:1.00.
“Permitted Investments” means:
(1) any Investment in the Company or in a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
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(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
(3) any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a
Person, if as a result of such Investment:
(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or
(b) such Person 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 of the Company;
(4) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from
an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.10;
(5) any acquisition of assets solely in exchange for the issuance of Equity
Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;
(6) investments in accounts or notes receivable acquired in the ordinary course of
business;
(7) [intentionally omitted;]
(8) any payment by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to
the Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement;
(9) loans and advances to employees and officers of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business for bona fide business purposes not in
excess of $5.0 million at any one time outstanding;
(10) Investments in securities received in settlement of obligations of trade
creditors or customers in the ordinary course of business or in satisfaction of judgments or
pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or
insolvency of trade creditors or customers; and Investments made in settlement or exchange
for extensions of trade credit (including trade receivables) by the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade
practices of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be;
(11) workers’ compensation, utility, lease and similar deposits and prepaid
expenses in the ordinary course of business and endorsements of negotiable instruments and
documents in the ordinary course of business;
(12) reclassification of any Investment initially made in the form of equity as a
loan or advance, and reclassification of any Investment initially made in the form of a loan
or advance as equity; provided in each case that the amount of such Investment is not
increased thereby;
(13) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate fair market value
(measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent
changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this
clause (13) that are at any time outstanding, not to exceed $100.0 million; and
(14) Investments in Joint Ventures having an aggregate fair market value (measured
on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in
value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (14)
that are at any time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $150.0 million and (y)
7.5% of Consolidated Total Assets.
“Permitted Liens” means:
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(1) Liens securing Indebtedness under Credit Facilities incurred pursuant to clause
(1) of Section 4.09(b);
(2) Liens in favor of the Company or the Guarantors;
(3) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with
or into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; provided that
such Liens were not entered into in contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not
extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the
Company or the Subsidiary;
(4) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the Company or
any Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such Liens were not entered into in
contemplation of such acquisition;
(5) Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by
clause (4) of Section 4.09(b) covering only the assets financed with such Indebtedness and
additions and improvements thereon;
(6) Liens existing on the date of this Indenture;
(7) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet
delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
instituted and diligently concluded, provided that any reserve or other appropriate
provision as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor;
(8) Liens securing Indebtedness or trade payables and any related obligations;
provided that the aggregate amount of Indebtedness and trade payables secured by this clause
(8) shall not exceed $50.0 million at any one time outstanding;
(9) Liens securing Attributable Indebtedness under Sale and Leaseback Transactions
incurred in compliance with Section 4.05; provided that the aggregate amount of Attributable
Indebtedness secured by this clause (9) shall not exceed $75.0 million at any one time
outstanding;
(10) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics,
suppliers, materialmen, repairmen and other Liens imposed by law incurred in the ordinary
course of business; Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of
law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods; and any
other Liens imposed by operation of law which do not materially affect the Company’s ability
to perform its obligations under the Notes and this Indenture;
(11) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in
connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social
security or similar obligations, including any Lien securing letters of credit issued in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in connection therewith, or to
secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids,
leases, government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar
obligations (exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money);
(12) judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as such Lien is
adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated
for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within
which such proceedings may be initiated shall not have expired;
(13) easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions and other similar charges or
encumbrances in respect of real property not interfering in any material respect with the
ordinary conduct of the business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
-16-
(14) any interest or title of a lessor under any lease, whether or not
characterized as capital or operating; provided that such Liens do not extend to any
property or assets which is not leased property subject to such lease;
(15) Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any
Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances issued or
created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of
such inventory or other goods;
(16) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit
which encumber documents and other property relating to such letters of credit and products
and proceeds thereof;
(17) Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory,
regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, including rights of offset and set-off;
(18) leases or subleases granted to others not interfering in any material respect
with the business of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(19) Liens arising out of consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods
entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
business;
(20) rights of banks to set off deposits against debts owed to said bank; and
(21) Liens on accounts receivable originated by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, any related assets and any proceeds thereof that are sold, conveyed or
otherwise transferred pursuant to a Receivables Financing permitted pursuant to clause (10)
of Section 4.09(b).
During any Suspension Period, the relevant clauses of Section 4.09 shall be deemed to be in
effect solely for purposes of determining the amount available under clauses (1) and (5) above.
“Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend,
refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund, other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness) (such other Indebtedness,
“Refinanced Indebtedness”); provided that:
(1) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if
applicable), plus accrued interest on, the Refinanced Indebtedness (plus the amount of
reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith including premiums paid, if any, to the
holders thereof);
(2) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than
the final maturity date of the Refinanced Indebtedness, and the portion, if any, of the
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness that is scheduled to mature on or prior to the maturity
date of the Notes has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred that is equal to or greater than the Weighted Average
Life to Maturity of the portion of the Refinanced Indebtedness that is scheduled to mature
on or prior to the maturity date of the Notes;
(3) if the Refinanced Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the
Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the
Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Notes as those contained in the
documentation governing the Refinanced Indebtedness;
(4) such Indebtedness shall not be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not
a Guarantor to refinance debt of the Company or a Guarantor; and
-17-
(5) the proceeds of the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be used
substantially concurrently with the incurrence thereof to redeem or refinance the Refinanced
Indebtedness, unless, in the case of a redemption or refinancing, the Refinanced
Indebtedness is not then due and is not redeemable or prepayable at the option of the
obligor thereof or is redeemable or prepayable only with notice, in which case such proceeds
shall be held in a segregated account of the obligor of the Refinanced Indebtedness until
the Refinanced Indebtedness becomes due or redeemable or prepayable or such notice period
lapses and then shall be used to refinance the Refinanced Indebtedness; provided that in any
event the Refinanced Indebtedness shall be redeemed or refinanced within six months of the
incurrence of the Refinancing Indebtedness.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint
venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, estate, unincorporated organization or government
or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity (including any subdivision or
ongoing business of any such entity or substantially all of the assets of any such entity,
subdivision or business).
“Place of Payment” when used with respect to the Notes means the Corporate Trust Office of the
Trustee or such other location as may be established under Section 7.09.
“Predecessor Note” of any particular Note means every previous Note evidencing all or a
portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Note; and, for the purposes of this
definition, any Note authenticated and delivered under Section 2.07 in lieu of a mutilated, lost,
destroyed or stolen Note shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, lost,
destroyed or stolen Note.
“Principals” means the Xxxxxxxx Partnership, L.P. and the general partners of the Xxxxxxxx
Partnership, L.P. on the Issue Date and, in the case of such individuals, their respective
executors, administrators and heirs and their families and trusts for their benefit.
“Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(f)(i) to be placed on
all Notes issued under this Indenture except where specifically stated otherwise by the provisions
of this Indenture.
“Purchase Agreement” means the Purchase Agreement dated December 13, 2010 for the purchase of
$200,000,000 principal amount of Initial Notes among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial
Purchasers as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in
accordance with the terms thereof.
“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.
“Rating Agency” means each of S&P and Xxxxx’x, or if S&P or Xxxxx’x or both shall not make a
rating on the Notes publicly available (for reasons outside the control of the Company), a
statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, nationally recognized in the United
States and selected by the Company (as certified by a resolution of the Board of Directors) which
shall be substituted for S&P or Xxxxx’x, or both, as the case may be.
“Receivables Financing” means, with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, any discounting, factoring or securitization arrangement (including, for the
avoidance of doubt, the Receivables Purchase Agreement) pursuant to which the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary sells, conveys or otherwise transfers to a Restricted Subsidiary or any other
Person, or grants a security interest in, any accounts receivable originated by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, together with any related assets, or pursuant to which
ownership interests in, or notes, commercial paper, certificates or other debt instruments may be
secured by such accounts receivable and related assets.
“
Receivables Purchase Agreement” means the Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement dated
as of May 1, 2009, by and among The Scotts Company LLC, as seller, the Company, as guarantor, and
Calyon
New York Branch, as purchaser, as amended, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or
refinanced from time to time.
“Redemption Date” means the date fixed for redemption of any Note pursuant to this Indenture.
-18-
“Redemption Price” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01.
“Registered Exchange Offer” means an offer made by the Company pursuant to an Exchange Offer
Registration Statement under the Securities Act to exchange Exchange Notes for outstanding Initial
Notes or Additional Notes substantially identical in all material respects to such Initial Notes or
Additional Notes (except for the differences provided for therein).
“Registration Rights Agreement” means (i) with respect to the Initial Notes, the Registration
Rights Agreement dated as of December 16, 2010, among the Company, the Guarantors and the Initial
Purchasers, as such agreement may be amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time in
accordance with the terms thereof, and (ii) with respect to any Additional Notes, one or more registration rights agreements among the
Company, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto, as such agreements may be amended, modified,
or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof, relating to the rights
given by the Company to the purchasers of Additional Notes to register such Additional Notes under
the Securities Act.
“Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on the Notes on any Interest Payment Date means
the June 1 or December 1 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, immediately preceding
such Interest Payment Date.
“Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act, as it may be amended
from time to time, and any successor provision thereto.
“Regulation S Global Note” means one or more Global Notes issued in an aggregate principal
amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Initial Notes sold in reliance on Rule 903 of
Regulation S on any Issue Date.
“Related Business” means the business conducted (or proposed to be conducted) by the Company
and its Subsidiaries as of the Issue Date and any and all businesses that in the good faith
judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company are reasonably related thereto.
“Related Party” with respect to any Principal means any trust, corporation, partnership or
other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or Persons beneficially holding an
80% or more controlling interest of which consist of such Principal.
“Restricted Definitive Note” means one or more Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture
bearing the Private Placement Legend.
“Restricted Global Note” means one or more Global Notes bearing the Private Placement Legend,
issued under this Indenture; provided, that in no case shall an Exchange Note issued in accordance
with this Indenture and the terms of any Registration Rights Agreement be a Restricted Global Note.
“Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
“Restricted Notes” means Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture that
bear or are required to bear the Private Placement Legend.
“Restricted Subsidiary” of a Person means any Subsidiary of the referent Person that is not an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act, as it may be amended from
time to time, and any successor provision thereto.
“Rule 144A Global Note” means one or more Global Notes bearing the Private Placement Legend
that will be issued in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the
Initial Notes to be resold by the Initial Purchasers in reliance on Rule 144A on any Issue Date.
-19-
“
S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of McGraw Hill, Inc., a
New York
corporation, or any successor rating agency.
“Sale and Leaseback Transactions” means with respect to any Person an arrangement with any
bank, insurance company or other lender or investor or to which such lender or investor is a party,
providing for the leasing by such Person of any asset of such Person which has been or is being
sold or transferred by such Person to such lender or investor or to any Person to whom funds have
been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of such asset.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Shelf Registration Statement” means a shelf registration statement prepared pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreement in respect of Initial Notes not previously registered for sale to the
public under the Securities Act.
“Significant Subsidiary” means (1) any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as
defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, as
such Regulation is in effect on the date hereof, and (2) any Restricted Subsidiary that when
aggregated with all other Restricted Subsidiaries that are not otherwise Significant Subsidiaries
would constitute a Significant Subsidiary under clause (1) of this definition.
“Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the
Trustee pursuant to Section 2.12.
“Specified Payments” means Permitted Investments pursuant to clauses (13) and (14) of the
definition of “Permitted Investments” and Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 4.07(a) and
clauses (5) and (6) of Section 4.07(b), in each case, to the extent made in cash or Cash
Equivalents.
“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any
series of Indebtedness, the date on which such payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be
paid in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, and shall 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.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person:
(1) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a
partnership) 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 such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a
combination thereof); and
(2) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of
which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of
which are such Person or of one or more Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination
thereof).
“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the
date of this Indenture, except as stated in Section 9.03.
“Treasury Rate” means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States
Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal
Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two Business
Days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any
publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the
Redemption Date to December 15, 2015; provided, however, that if the period from the Redemption
Date to December 15, 2015 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury
security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear
interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of
United States Treasury securities for which such
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yields are given, except that if the period from the Redemption Date to December 15, 2015 is
less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities
adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.
“Trust Officer” means, when used with respect to the Trustee or Paying Agent, any officer
within the corporate trust department of the Trustee or Paying Agent, as applicable, including any
vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer
or any other officer of the Trustee or Paying Agent who customarily performs functions similar to
those performed by the persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any
corporate trust matter is referred because of such person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the
particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this
Indenture.
“Trustee” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and,
thereafter, means the successor.
“
Uniform Commercial Code” means the
New York Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to
time.
“Unrestricted Definitive Note” means one or more Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture
that do not bear and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.
“Unrestricted Global Note” means one or more Global Notes issued under this Indenture
representing a series of Notes that does not bear and is not required to bear the Private Placement
Legend.
“Unrestricted Note” means any Unrestricted Definitive Note or Unrestricted Global Note.
“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company that is designated by the Board
of Directors as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution, but only to the extent
that such Subsidiary:
(1) has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;
(2) is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company unless the terms of any such agreement,
contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not
Affiliates of the Company;
(3) is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for additional Equity
Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such
Person to achieve any specified of operating results; and
(4) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support
for any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be
evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the Board Resolution giving
effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied
with the preceding conditions and was permitted by Section 4.07. If, at any time, any Unrestricted
Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it shall
thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of this Indenture and any
Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date
under Section 4.09, the Company shall be in default of such covenant. The Board of Directors of
the Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary;
provided that such designation shall be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such
designation shall only be permitted if (1) such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 4.09,
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calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the
four-quarter reference period; and (2) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence
following such designation.
If a Guarantor is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the Subsidiary Guarantee of that
Guarantor shall be released. If an Unrestricted Subsidiary becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, such
Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Subsidiary of the Company shall be designated an
Unrestricted Subsidiary during any Suspension Period.
“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 purpose 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.
“U.S. Government Obligations” means direct non-callable obligations of, or guaranteed by, the
United States of America for the payment of which guarantee or obligations the full faith and
credit of the United States is pledged.
“U.S. Person” means a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902(o) under the Securities Act.
“Vice President” includes, with respect to the Company and the Trustee, any Vice President of
the Company or the Trustee, whether or not designated by a number or word or words added before or
after the title “Vice President.”
“Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at
the time 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 thereof, 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” of any Person means a Restricted Subsidiary of such
Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than
directors’ qualifying shares) shall at the time be owned by such Person and/or by one or more
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person.
SECTION 1.02. OTHER DEFINITIONS.
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Term |
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Defined in Section |
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“Authentication Order” |
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2.02 |
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“Change of Control Offer” |
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4.13 |
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“Covenant Defeasance” |
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8.05 |
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“DTC” |
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2.03 |
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“Funding Guarantor” |
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10.05 |
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“Initial Notes” |
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Preamble |
|
“Legal Defeasance” |
|
|
8.04 |
|
“Net Proceeds Offer” |
|
|
4.10 |
(c) |
-22-
|
|
|
|
|
Term |
|
Defined in Section |
|
“Offer Amount” |
|
|
3.09 |
(b)(4) |
“Offer to Purchase” |
|
|
3.09 |
(a) |
“Pari Passu Indebtedness” |
|
|
4.10 |
(c) |
“Paying Agent” |
|
|
2.03 |
|
“protected purchaser” |
|
|
2.07 |
|
“Purchase Date” |
|
|
3.09 |
(b) |
“Registrar” |
|
|
2.03 |
|
“Restricted Payments” |
|
|
4.07 |
|
“Suspension Period” |
|
|
4.16 |
|
SECTION 1.03. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF TRUST INDENTURE ACT.
This Indenture is subject to the mandatory provisions of the TIA, which are incorporated by
reference in and made a part of this Indenture. The following TIA terms have the following
meanings:
“indenture securities” means the Notes and the Guarantees.
“indenture security holder” means a Holder.
“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture.
“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee.
“obligor” on the indenture securities means the Company, each Guarantor and any other obligor
on the Notes.
All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA
reference to another statute or defined by Commission rule and not otherwise defined herein have
the meanings assigned to them by such definitions.
SECTION 1.04. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined herein has the meaning assigned to it in
accordance with GAAP and all financial calculations and determinations contemplated by this
Indenture shall be made in conformity with GAAP as in effect as of the Closing Date;
(3) “or” is not exclusive;
(4) “including” means “including without limitation”;
(5) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;
(6) the principal amount of any non-interest bearing or other discount security at any
date shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of
such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section
6.02;
(7) all references to “principal” of the Notes include redemption price and purchase price
and all references to “interest” on the Notes include Additional Interest, if any, as well as
interest accruing after the
-23-
commencement of a proceeding under Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the
relief of debtors (including post-petition interest), whether or not allowed or allowable as a
claim in any such proceeding;
(8) all exhibits are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made a part of this
Indenture;
(9) all references to articles, sections and exhibits (and subparts thereof) are to this
Indenture;
(10) all references to sections or rules under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or the
TIA shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules;
(11) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and
(12) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer
to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.
ARTICLE II
THE NOTES
SECTION 2.01. FORM AND DATING.
(a) General. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or
endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, usage or this Indenture. Each Note shall be
dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be in denominations of $2,000 and integral
multiples of $1,000.
The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall 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) Global Notes. Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of
Exhibit A attached hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges
of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon
and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Each
Global Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and each
shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time
to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented
thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges,
redemptions or transfers of beneficial interests from one Global Note to another Global Note. Any
endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate
principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Notes
Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder or
beneficial owner thereof as required by Section 2.06.
(c) Form of Initial Notes, Etc. All Initial Notes are being or will be offered and sold
by the Initial Purchasers only (i) to QIBs (in which case they will be evidenced by a Rule 144A
Global Note) or (ii) in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act (in which case they will
be evidenced by a Regulation S Global Note). After such initial offers and sales, Initial Notes
that are evidenced by Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes may also be
transferred to Institutional Accredited Investors (in which case they shall be evidenced by
Definitive Notes or by an IAI Global Note). All Additional Notes issued after the Closing Date
shall be issued in such form, and shall be permitted to be resold, as shall be provided in the
related Officers’ Certificate required by Section 2.14.
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SECTION 2.02. EXECUTION AND AUTHENTICATION.
The Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board of
Directors, its Chief Executive Officer, its President, its Chief Financial Officer, one of its Vice
Presidents or its Treasurer, and attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries.
The signature of any of these officers may be manual or facsimile.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is
authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be valid. A Note shall not be valid until authenticated
by the manual signature of the Trustee. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note
has been authenticated under this Indenture. The Trustee shall, upon a written order of the
Company signed by an Officer (an “Authentication Order”), authenticate and, if requested therein,
deliver (i) Initial Notes for original issuance up to the aggregate principal amount stated in such
Authentication Order in such form as may be provided therein or in this Indenture, (ii) in
accordance with Section 2.06(i), Exchange Notes, and (iii) Additional Notes; provided, that the
aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding at any time may not exceed $200,000,000, except in
accordance with Section 2.14. 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, PAYING AGENT AND DEPOSITARY.
The Company shall maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of
New
York, 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”). Until otherwise
designated by the Company, the Company’s office or agency in
New York shall be the office of the
Trustee maintained for such purpose. The Registrar shall 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 any additional paying agent. The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency
agreement with any Registrar, Paying Agent or other Agent not a party to this Indenture, which
shall incorporate the mandatory terms of the TIA not otherwise excluded hereunder. The Company may
change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Registrar or Paying Agent
may resign at any time upon not less than 10 Business Days’ prior written notice to the Company;
provided,
however, that the Trustee may resign as Paying Agent or Registrar only if the Trustee
also resigns as Trustee in accordance with Section 7.10.
The Company shall 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 initially appoints The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) to act as Depositary with
respect to the Global Notes. The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar
and Paying Agent and to act as Notes Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.
SECTION 2.04. PAYING AGENT TO HOLD MONEY IN TRUST.
Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be payable at the office of the
Paying Agent or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to
the Holders at their respective addresses set forth in the Note Register;
provided, all payments or
principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to the Notes represented by one or more
Global Notes registered in the name or held by the Depositary shall be made by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to accounts specified by the Holder prior to 10:00 a.m.,
New York time,
on each due date of the principal and interest on any Note. The Company shall require each Paying
Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall 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 interest on the Notes, and shall 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, and in such event any such Paying Agent shall have the obligation, to pay all money
held by it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay
-25-
all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if
other than the Company or a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for such money. If the
Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall 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 shall serve as Paying Agent for the
Notes.
Any money deposited with any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company or a domestic
Subsidiary in trust for the payment of principal or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed
for two years after such principal and interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the
Company at its request, or, if then held by the Company or a domestic Subsidiary, shall be
discharged from such trust; and the Holders shall thereafter, as general unsecured creditors, look
only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Paying Agent with respect to such
money, and all liability of the Company or such permitted Subsidiary as trustee thereof, shall
thereupon cease.
SECTION 2.05. HOLDER LISTS; COMMUNICATIONS WITH OTHER HOLDERS.
(a) The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:
(i) semi-annually on a date not more than 15 days after each Regular Record Date
with respect to an Interest Payment Date, if any, for the Notes, a list, in such form as the
Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of the date 15
days next preceding each such Regular Record Date; and
(ii) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days
after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as
of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;
provided, however, that if and so long as the Trustee shall be the Registrar for such series, no
such list need be furnished.
(b) The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all
information as to the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to
the Trustee as provided in Section 2.05(a) received by it in the capacity of Paying Agent (if so
acting) hereunder.
The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 2.05(a) upon receipt
of a new list so furnished, destroy any information received by it as Paying Agent (if so acting)
hereunder upon delivering to itself as Trustee, not earlier than 45 days after an Interest Payment
Date, a list containing the names and addresses of the Holders obtained from such information since
the delivery of the next previous list, if any, and destroy any list delivered to itself as Trustee
which was compiled from information received by it as Paying Agent (if so acting) hereunder upon
the receipt of a new list so delivered.
(c) If three or more Holders (hereinafter referred to as “applicants”) apply in writing to
the Trustee, and furnish to the Trustee reasonable proof that each such applicant has owned Notes
for a period of at least six months preceding the date of such application, and such application
states that the applicants desire to communicate with other Holders of Notes of a particular series
(in which case the applicants must hold Notes) or with all Holders of Notes with respect to their
rights under this Indenture or under the Notes and is accompanied by a copy of the form of proxy or
other communication which such applicants propose to transmit, then the Trustee shall, within five
Business Days after the receipt of such application, at its election, either
(i) afford such applicants access to the information preserved at the time by the
Trustee in accordance with Section 2.05(b), or
(ii) inform such applicants as to the approximate number of Holders of Notes, as
the case may be, whose names and addresses appear in the information preserved at the time
by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.05(b), and as to the approximate cost of mailing
to such Holders the form of proxy or other communication, specified in such application.
-26-
If the Trustee shall elect not to afford such applicants access to such information, the
Trustee shall, upon written request of such applicants, mail to the Holders whose names and
addresses appear in the information preserved at the time by the Trustee in accordance with Section
2.05(b), a copy of the form of proxy or other communication which is specified in such request,
with reasonable promptness after a tender to the Trustee of the material to be mailed and of
payment, or provision for the payment, of the reasonable expenses of mailing, unless within five
days after such tender, the Trustee shall mail to such applicants and file with the Commission,
together with a copy of the material to be mailed, a written statement to the effect that, in the
opinion of the Trustee, such mailing would be contrary to the best interests of the Holders or
would be in violation of applicable law. Such written statement shall specify the basis of such
opinion. If the Commission, after opportunity for a hearing upon the objections specified in the
written statement so filed, shall enter an order refusing to sustain any of such objections or if
after the entry of an order sustaining one or more of such objections, the Commission shall find,
after notice and opportunity for hearing, that all the objections so sustained have been met and
shall enter an order so declaring, the Trustee shall mail copies of such material to all such
Holders with reasonable promptness after the entry of such order and the renewal of such tender;
otherwise the Trustee shall be relieved of any obligation or duty to such applicants respecting
their application.
(d) Every Holder, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the
Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee shall be held accountable by reason of the
disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders in accordance with
Section 2.05(c), regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the
Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing of any material pursuant to a request
made under Section 2.05(c).
SECTION 2.06. TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE.
(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred as a
whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to
the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to
a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. Beneficial interests in Global
Notes will be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes, subject to any applicable laws, if (i)
the Company delivers to the Trustee notice from the Depositary that it is unwilling or unable to
continue to act as Depositary and a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90
days after the date of such written notice from the Depositary, or (ii) there shall have occurred
and be continuing a Default with respect to the Notes and the Depositary shall have requested the
issuance of Definitive Notes; provided that in no event shall any temporary Note that is a Global
Note issued pursuant to Regulation S be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes prior to (A)
the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any
certificate identified by the Company and its counsel to be required pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule
904 under the Securities Act. In any such case, the Company will notify the Trustee in writing
that, upon surrender by the Participants and Indirect Participants of their interests in such
Global Note, Definitive Notes will be issued to each Person that such Participants, Indirect
Participants and DTC jointly identify as being the beneficial owner of the related Notes. Global
Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and
2.10. Every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any
portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10, shall be authenticated and
delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for
another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a); however, beneficial interests in a
Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c), (d), (f) or (i).
(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The transfer and
exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depositary, in
accordance with the provisions hereof and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the
Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth
in this Indenture to the extent required in order for the Company to comply with the Securities
Act. Transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require
compliance with the applicable provisions below:
(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note; Transfers of
Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes for Interests in Other Unrestricted Global
Notes. 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
-27-
Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of the
Distribution Compliance Period, no transfer of beneficial interests in a Regulation S Global
Note may be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than
an Initial Purchaser) unless permitted by applicable law and made in compliance with Section
2.06(b)(ii) and (iii) below. 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)
unless specifically stated above.
(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), the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar
either (A) (1) an order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the
Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary 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 Participant
account to be credited with such increase or (B) (1) an order from a Participant or an
Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures
directing the Depositary 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 the
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. Upon consummation of a Registered Exchange Offer by the Company, 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 or similar document
delivered by the Holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes and the
other documents contemplated by the Registered Exchange Offer. 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 or Notes Custodian shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s)
pursuant to Section 2.06(g).
(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) and the Registrar
receives the following:
(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial
interest in the Rule 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a
certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item
(1) thereof;
(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial
interest in the 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;
(C) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial
interest in the IAI Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in
the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications and certificates
(including the certificate in the form of Exhibit D hereto) in item (3)(b) thereof,
if applicable; or
(D) 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)(a) thereof.
(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 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) and:
-28-
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Registered
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 (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 a Shelf Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Registrar receives a
certificate from such Holder to such effect;
(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 (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) (except in the case of a transfer contemplated by item (4)(a) or (d)
of Exhibit B or by item (4)(b) of Exhibit B in the case of any transfer after the
Distribution Compliance Period), an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable
to the Registrar 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, 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. 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 or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.
(i) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for 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 under the Securities Act, a certificate from such Holder 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 under the
Securities Act, a certificate from such Holder to the effect set forth in Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;
-29-
(D) 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 (C)
above, a certificate from such Holder to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications required by item (3)(b) thereof, if applicable;
(E) 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)(a) thereof; the Trustee shall cause the
aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Note to be reduced
accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(g), and the Company shall execute and, upon
receipt of an Authentication Order pursuant to Section 2.02, the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the certificate a Restricted
Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Restricted 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 Depositary and the
Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Restricted
Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any
Restricted 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) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for
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 Registered
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 a Shelf Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Registrar receives a
certificate from such Holder to such effect;
(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 Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, 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 a Definitive Note that does
not bear the Private Placement Legend, 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) (except in the case of a transfer
contemplated by item (4)(a) or (d) of Exhibit B or by item (4)(b) of Exhibit B in the
case of any transfer after the Distribution Compliance Period), an Opinion of Counsel
in form, and from legal counsel, reasonably acceptable to the Registrar and 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.
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(iii) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes for
Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If any Holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global
Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or to
transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an
Unrestricted Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section
2.06(b)(ii), the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Unrestricted
Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(g), and the Company shall execute
and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order pursuant to Section 2.02, the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions an Unrestricted Definitive
Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Unrestricted Definitive Note issued in exchange for
a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iii) 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 Depositary and the Participant
or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Unrestricted Definitive Notes to the
Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Unrestricted Definitive Note issued in
exchange for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note pursuant to this Section
2.06(c)(iii) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.
(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests in
Global Notes.
(i) Transfer of Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes for 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 under the Securities Act, a certificate from such Holder 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 under the
Securities Act, a certificate from such Holder 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 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 (C) above, a certificate from such Holder to the effect set forth in Exhibit
B, including the certifications required by item 3(b) thereof; or
(E) 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)(a) thereof;
the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be increased the
aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A), the appropriate Restricted Global Note,
in the case of clause (B) above, the Rule 144A Global Note, in the case of clause (C) above, the
Regulation S Global Note, and in all other cases, the IAI Global Note.
(ii) Transfer or Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes for 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:
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(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Registered
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;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement
in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Registrar receives a
certificate from such Holder to such effect;
(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
Restricted 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 Restricted 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) (except in the case of a transfer contemplated by item
(4)(a) or (d) of Exhibit B or by item (4)(b) of Exhibit B in the case of any transfer
after the Distribution Compliance Period), an Opinion of Counsel, in form and from
legal counsel reasonably acceptable to the Registrar and 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)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Notes so transferred
or exchanged and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of
the Unrestricted Global Note.
(iii) Transfer or Exchange of Unrestricted Definitive Notes for 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 shall cancel the
applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate
principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.
(iv) Issuance of Unrestricted Global Notes. If any such exchange or transfer from a
Definitive Note to a beneficial interest in a Global Note is effected pursuant to subparagraphs
(ii)(A), (ii)(B) or (iii) of this Section 2.06(d) 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, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes
in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes so exchanged or
transferred.
(e) Transfer or 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 shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such
registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall 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 shall provide any additional certifications,
documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this
Section 2.06(e).
(i) Transfer of 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:
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(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities
Act, 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;
(C) 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 (A) and
(B) above, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications required by item (3)(b) thereof, if applicable;
or
(D) 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)(a) thereof;
(ii) Transfer or Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes for 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 Registered
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;
(B) any such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement
in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Registrar receives a
certificate from such Holder to such effect;
(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) (except
in the case of a transfer contemplated by item (4)(a) or (d) of Exhibit B or by item
(4)(b) of Exhibit B in the case of any transfer after the Distribution Compliance
Period), an Opinion of Counsel in form, and from legal counsel, reasonably acceptable
to the Registrar and 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) Transfer of 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.
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(f) Legends. The following legends shall appear on the face of all Global Notes and
Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable
provisions hereof.
(i) Private Placement Legend.
(A) Except as permitted by Section 2.06(f)(i)(B) below, each Global Note
and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution
thereof) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
“THE SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A
TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER XXXXXXX 0 XX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY
MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH
REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY
EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION
FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A
THEREUNDER. THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF
THE COMPANY THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED,
ONLY (1)(a) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES
IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT) PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL
BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT, (b) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A NON-U.S. PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE
REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (c)
PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE
144 THEREUNDER (IF APPLICABLE) OR (d) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF
COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY IF THE COMPANY SO REQUESTS), (2) TO THE COMPANY OR
(3) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER
APPLICABLE JURISDICTION AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS
REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE
RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE AS TO THE
AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 FOR RESALE OF THE SECURITY
EVIDENCED HEREBY.”
Each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in
exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall also bear a legend in
substantially the following form:
“THIS NOTE IS ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 1271
ET SEQ. OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. A HOLDER MAY OBTAIN THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT
OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY FOR SUCH NOTES BY
SUBMITTING A REQUEST FOR SUCH INFORMATION TO THE ISSUER AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
00000 XXXXXXXXXX XXXX, XXXXXXXXXX, XXXX 00000, ATTENTION: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.”
(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note
issued pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(iv), (c)(ii), (c)(iii), (d)(ii), (d)(iii),
(e)(ii) or (e)(iii) of this Section 2.06
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(and all Notes issued in exchange therefor
or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.
(ii) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the
following form (unless otherwise specified by the Depositary):
“THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER
REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF.
THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A NOTE REGISTERED, AND NO
TRANSFER OF THE NOTE IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY
PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED
CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.”
(iii) Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend. Each temporary Note that is a
Global Note issued pursuant to Regulation S shall bear a legend in substantially the
following form:
THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS
AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR DEFINITIVE NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE
INDENTURE. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE BY ACCEPTANCE HEREOF ALSO AGREES, REPRESENTS
AND WARRANTS THAT IF IT IS A PURCHASER IN A SALE THAT OCCURS OUTSIDE THE UNITED
STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IT ACKNOWLEDGES
THAT, UNTIL EXPIRATION OF THE “40-DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD” WITHIN THE
MEANING OF RULE 903 OF REGULATION S, ANY OFFER OR SALE OF THIS NOTE SHALL NOT BE
MADE BY IT TO A U.S. PERSON TO OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF A U.S. PERSON
WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 902(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.
(g) 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 cancelled in whole and not in part, each such Global
Note shall be returned to or retained and cancelled 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 shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global
Note by the Trustee or by the 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, the principal amount
of Notes represented by such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement
shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the
Trustee to reflect such increase.
(h) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.
(i) The Notes shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Note for registration of
transfer and in compliance with this Section 2.06. When a Note is presented to the Registrar with
a request to register a transfer, the Registrar shall register the transfer as requested if the
requirements of Section 8-401 of the Uniform Commercial Code and this Section 2.06 are met. When
Notes are presented to the Registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount
of Notes of other denominations, the Registrar shall make the exchange as requested if the same
requirements are met.
(ii) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the
Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an Authentication
Order.
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(iii) No service charge shall 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, 3.07 and 9.06).
(iv) The Registrar shall retain copies of all certificates, Opinions of Counsel, notices
and other written communications received pursuant to this Section 2.06. The Company shall have
the right to inspect and make copies of all such certificates, Opinions of Counsel, notices or
other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of reasonable written notice to
the Registrar.
(v) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or
exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Company,
evidencing the same indebtedness, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the
Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(vi) The Company, Trustee and Registrar shall not be required (A) to issue, to register
the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business on a
Business Day 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 so 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.
(vii) 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,
premium, if any, and interest on such Notes, payment of the redemption price of the Notes and for
all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Company shall be affected by notice
to the contrary.
(viii) The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with
the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.
(ix) 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, with an original of such document to be sent promptly thereafter.
(x) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, as to any certifications and
certificates delivered to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06, the Registrar’s duties shall
be limited to confirming that any such certifications and certificates delivered to it are in the
form of Exhibits B, C and D attached hereto. The Registrar shall not be responsible for confirming
the truth or accuracy of representations made in any such certifications or certificates.
(i) Exchange Offer. Promptly after the expiration of the Registered Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an
Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02, the Trustee shall authenticate (A) one or
more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the sum of (1) the
principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes validly tendered for
acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that they are entitled
to participate under the Registered Exchange Offer pursuant to the terms thereof, and accepted for
exchange in the Registered Exchange Offer, and (2) the principal amount of Definitive Notes
exchanged or transferred for beneficial interests in Unrestricted Global Notes in connection with
the Registered Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.06(d)(ii), and (B) Unrestricted Definitive
Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive
Notes accepted for exchange in the Registered Exchange Offer (other than Definitive Notes described
in clause (A)(2) immediately above). Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee
shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced
accordingly, and the Company shall execute and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order pursuant to
Section 2.02, the
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Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders
of Definitive Notes so accepted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount.
SECTION 2.07. REPLACEMENT NOTES.
If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder of a Note claims that the
Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall
authenticate a replacement Note if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the Uniform Commercial Code
are met, such that the Holder (i) satisfies the Company or the Trustee within a reasonable time
after he has notice of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking and the Registrar does not
register a transfer prior to receiving such notification, (ii) makes such request to the Company or
the Trustee prior to the Note being acquired by a protected purchaser as defined in Section 8-303
of the Uniform Commercial Code (a “protected purchaser”) and (iii) satisfies any other reasonable
requirements of the Trustee and the Company including evidence of the destruction, loss or theft of
the Note. Such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee to
protect the Company, any Guarantor, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, and the Registrar from any loss
that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Company and the Trustee may charge the
Holder for their expenses in replacing a Note including the payment of a sum sufficient to cover
any tax or other governmental charge that may be required. In the event any such mutilated, lost,
destroyed or wrongfully taken Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in
its discretion may pay such Note instead of issuing a new Note in replacement thereof.
Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Company, whether or not the
destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to
all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionally with all other Notes duly issued
hereunder.
The provisions of this Section 2.07 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful)
all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, lost,
destroyed or wrongfully taken Notes.
SECTION 2.08. OUTSTANDING NOTES.
Outstanding Notes, means, as of the date of determination, all Notes theretofore authenticated
and delivered under this Indenture, except:
(i) Notes theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation, including Notes tendered and exchanged for other securities of the Company;
(ii) Notes for which payment or redemption 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 and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own
Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Notes; provided, however, that if such Notes are to be
redeemed, then notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or
provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made and the date for such
redemption has passed;
(iii) Notes with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance as provided
in Article VIII; and
(iv) Notes paid pursuant to Section 2.07 and Notes in exchange for or in lieu of
which other Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other
than any such Notes in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof
satisfactory to it that such Notes are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such
Notes are valid obligations of the Company;
provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of
Notes Outstanding have performed any Act hereunder, Notes owned by the Company or any other obligor
upon the Notes or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and
deemed not to be Outstanding (provided, that in connection with any offer by the Company or any
obligor to purchase or exchange Notes, Notes tendered by a Holder shall be Outstanding until the
date of purchase or exchange), except that, in determining whether the Trustee
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shall be protected
in relying upon any such Act, only Notes which a Trust Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be
so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be
regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s
right to act with respect to such
Notes and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Notes or any Affiliate
of the Company or of such other obligor.
SECTION 2.09. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
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, shall authenticate temporary Notes which are
printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized
denomination for the Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of Definitive Notes
but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes (as evidenced by
the execution of the Notes by the Officers of the Company) and as shall be reasonably acceptable to
the Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee shall
authenticate Definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes. Holders of temporary Notes shall be
entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture.
SECTION 2.11. CANCELLATION.
All Notes surrendered for payment, redemption, transfer or exchange shall, if surrendered to
any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office. All
Notes so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. The Company may at any time deliver
to the Trustee for cancellation any Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which
the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to the Trustee (or to any
other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for cancellation any Notes previously authenticated
hereunder which the Company has not issued, and all Notes so delivered shall be promptly cancelled
by the Trustee. No Notes shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Notes cancelled
as provided in this Section, except as permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Notes held by
the Trustee shall be delivered to the Company upon Company Request. The acquisition of any Notes
by the Company shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the indebtedness represented
thereby unless and until such Notes are surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. The Notes
shall not be disposed of until exchanged in full for Definitive Notes or until payment thereon is
made in full.
SECTION 2.12. DEFAULTED INTEREST.
(a) Any interest on any Note which is payable but is not punctually paid or duly provided
for on any Interest Payment Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the registered Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of his having been
such registered Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in
each case, as provided in clause (1) or (2) below:
(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons
in whose names such Notes (or their respective Predecessor Note) are registered at the close
of business on a special record date (the “
Special Record Date”) for the payment of such
Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify
the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each such
Note and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit
with the Trustee prior to 10:00 a.m.,
New York City time, an amount of money equal to the
aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed
payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons
entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Trustee shall
fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which date shall not be
more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and
not less than 10 days after receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name
and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such
Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage
prepaid, to the Holders of such Notes at their
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addresses as they appear in the Note
Register, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed
payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been mailed
as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names such Notes
(or their respective Predecessor Note) are registered at the close of business on such
Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (2).
(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on Notes in any other
lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which
such Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if,
after notice is given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this
clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
(b) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Note delivered under this
Indenture upon transfer of, in exchange for, or in lieu of, any other Note shall carry the rights
to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Note.
SECTION 2.13. CUSIP, ISIN OR COMMON CODE NUMBERS.
The Company in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP,” “ISIN” or “Common Code” numbers (if then
generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee shall use such numbers in notices of redemption or
repurchase as a convenience to Holders; provided, however, 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 or repurchase and that reliance may be placed only on the
other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption or repurchase shall not
be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company shall promptly notify the
Trustee of any change in “CUSIP”, “ISIN” or “Common Code” numbers.
SECTION 2.14. ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL NOTES.
If authorized by a Board Resolution, the Company shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes
under this Indenture which shall have substantially identical terms as the Notes, other than with
respect to the date of issuance, issue price, amount of interest payable on the first interest
payment date applicable thereto or upon a registration default as provided under a registration
rights agreement related thereto, if any (and if such Additional Notes shall be issued in the form
of Unrestricted Notes, other than with respect to transfer restrictions); provided that such
issuance shall be made in compliance with this Indenture; provided, however, that no Additional
Notes may be issued at a price that would cause such Additional Notes to have “original issue
discount” within the meaning of Section 1273 of the Code. The Initial Notes issued on the Closing
Date, any Additional Notes and all Exchange Notes issued in exchange for such Initial Notes or
Additional Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture.
With respect to any Additional Notes, the Company shall set forth in an Officers’ Certificate,
a copy of which shall be delivered to the Trustee, or in a supplemental indenture, the following
information:
(1) the aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding immediately prior to the issuance
of such Additional Notes;
(2) the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes to be authenticated and
delivered pursuant to this Indenture;
(3) the issue price and the issue date of such Additional Notes and the amount of interest
payable on the first interest payment date applicable thereto;
(4) the “CUSIP”, “ISIN” or “Common Code” number, as applicable, of such Additional Notes;
and
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(5) whether such Additional Notes shall be Restricted Notes, and in which form and
pursuant to which exemptions from the Securities Act they may be issued and resold, or whether they
shall be Unrestricted Notes issued pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT
SECTION 3.01. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.
(a) On or after December 15, 2015, the Company may 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 to the applicable Redemption
Date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on December 15 of the years indicated
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redemption |
Redemption Year |
|
Price |
2015 |
|
|
103.313 |
% |
2016 |
|
|
102.208 |
% |
2017 |
|
|
101.104 |
% |
2018 and thereafter |
|
|
100.000 |
% |
(b) Prior to December 15, 2013, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to
35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under this Indenture with the Net Cash
Proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings at a Redemption Price of 106.625% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the Redemption Date (subject to the right of
holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest
payment date); provided that:
(1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under this
Indenture remains outstanding after each such redemption; and
(2) the redemption occurs within 60 days after the closing of such Equity Offering.
(c) In addition, at any time prior to December 15, 2015, the Company may redeem all or a
part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a Redemption Price equal
to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the Applicable Premium plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the Redemption Date.
(d) Notices of redemption may not be conditional.
(e) If an optional Redemption Date is on or after a Regular Record Date and on or before
the related Interest Payment Date, the accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the
Person in whose name the Note is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date,
and no additional interest will be payable to Holders whose Notes will be subject to redemption by
the Company.
SECTION 3.02. ELECTION TO REDEEM; NOTICE TO TRUSTEE.
The election of the Company to redeem the Notes shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution. The
Company shall, not less than 30 (unless a shorter notice period is acceptable to the Trustee) nor
more than 60 days before the Redemption Date fixed by the Company, notify the Trustee of such
Redemption Date, the Redemption Price, the CUSIP numbers and the principal amount of Notes to be
redeemed.
SECTION 3.03. SELECTION BY TRUSTEE OF NOTES TO BE REDEEMED.
If less than all the Notes are to be redeemed at the election of the Company, the particular
Notes to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the
Trustee from the Outstanding
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Notes not previously called for redemption by the Trustee in the
following manner: (1) if the Notes are listed, in compliance with the requirements of the principal
national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed or;
(2) if the Notes are not so listed, on
a pro rata basis subject to adjustment for minimum denomination. The portions of the principal
amount of Notes so selected for partial redemption shall be equal to the minimum authorized
denominations for Notes pursuant to Section 2.01(a) in the currency in which the Notes are
denominated or any integral multiple thereof. In any case when more than one Note is registered in the same name, the
Trustee, in its discretion, may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were
represented by one Note.
The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Depositary in writing of the Notes
selected for redemption and, in the case of any Notes selected for partial redemption, the
principal amount thereof to be redeemed.
For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions
relating to the redemption of Notes shall relate, in the case of any Note redeemed or to be
redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Note which has been or is to
be redeemed.
SECTION 3.04. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.
Notice of redemption shall be given by the Company, or at the Company’s request, by the
Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company, not less than 30 days and not more than 60
days prior to the Redemption Date to the Holders of the Notes to be redeemed pursuant to this
Article III, in the manner provided in Section 11.02. Any notice so given shall be conclusively
presumed to have been duly given, whether or not any such Holder receives such notice. Failure to
give such notice, or any defect in such notice to the Holder of any Note, in whole or in part,
shall not affect the sufficiency of any notice of redemption with respect to the Holder of any
other Note.
All notices of redemption shall state:
(a) the Redemption Date,
(b) the Redemption Price,
(c) that Notes are being redeemed by the Company pursuant to provisions contained in this
Indenture or the terms of the Notes, together with a brief statement of the facts permitting such
redemption,
(d) the amount of Outstanding Notes to be redeemed,
(e) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each
such Note to be redeemed, and that interest thereon, if any, shall cease to accrue on and after
said date, and
(f) the Place or Places of Payment where such Notes are to be surrendered for payment of
the Redemption Price.
SECTION 3.05. DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE.
On or prior to the Redemption Date for the Notes to be redeemed, the Company shall deposit
with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent,
segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 2.04) an amount of money in the currency in
which such Notes are denominated sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of such Notes which are to
be redeemed on that date.
SECTION 3.06. NOTES PAYABLE ON REDEMPTION DATE.
Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, any Notes so to be redeemed shall, on the
Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price in the currency in which the Notes
are payable, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the
Redemption Price) such Notes shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Note for
redemption in accordance with said notice, such Note shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption
Price; provided, however, that installments of interest on
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Notes which have a Stated Maturity on or
prior to the Redemption Date for such Notes shall be payable according to the terms of such Notes
and the provisions of Section 2.04 and Section 2.12.
If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption,
the principal (and premium, if any) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at
the rate prescribed therefor in the Note.
SECTION 3.07. NOTES REDEEMED IN PART.
Any Note which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at the Corporate Trust
Office with, if the Company, the Depositary for the Notes or the Trustee so requires, due
endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company, the
Depositary for the Notes and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or such Holder’s
attorney duly authorized in writing, and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Note without service charge, a new Note or Notes, of
like tenor and form, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate
principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Note
so surrendered. In the case of a Note providing appropriate space for such notation, at the option
of the Holder thereof, the Trustee, in lieu of delivering a new Note or Notes as aforesaid, may
make a notation on such Note of the payment of the redeemed portion thereof.
SECTION 3.08. MANDATORY REDEMPTION.
The Company shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with
respect to the Notes. The foregoing shall not affect the Company’s obligations under Sections 4.10
and 4.13.
SECTION 3.09. REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS.
(a) In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.13, the Company shall be
required to commence an offer to all Holders to purchase Notes and, at the Company’s option,
holders of other Pari Passu Indebtedness (each, an “Offer to Purchase”), it shall follow the
procedures specified below.
(b) Within 25 days following a Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date and within 30 days
following a Change of Control, the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder, with a copy to the
Trustee, describing the transaction or transactions that triggered the Offer to Purchase and
offering to purchase Notes on the date (the “Purchase Date”) specified in such notice. The notice
shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes
pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. The Offer to Purchase shall be made to all Holders. The
notice, which shall govern the terms of the Offer to Purchase, shall state:
(1) that the Offer to Purchase is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and
Section 4.10 or 4.13, as the case may be, and the length of time the Offer to Purchase shall
remain open;
(2) that either (a) in the case of a Change of Control Offer, a Change of Control
has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Company to purchase such
holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof or
(b) in the case of a Net Proceeds Offer, there are Net Proceeds in an amount such that such
Holder has the right to require the Company to purchase such Holder’s Notes at 100% of the
principal amount thereof, in each case, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
Purchase Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date
to receive interest on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the date fixed for
purchase);
(3) the Purchase Date (which shall be a Business Day no earlier than 30 days nor
later than 60 days following the applicable Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date, in the case of
a Net Proceeds Offer, or the date such notice is mailed, in the case of a Change of Control
Offer);
(4) the aggregate principal amount of Notes (and in the case of a Net Proceeds
Offer, Pari Passu Indebtedness) being offered to be purchased (the “Offer Amount”), which
shall be equal to the Net Proceeds Offer Amount in the case of a Net Proceeds Offer and the
principal amount of all Notes
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outstanding in the case of a Change of Control Offer;
information as to any other Pari Passu Indebtedness included in the Offer to Purchase (in
the case of a Net Proceeds Offer); and the purchase price and the Purchase Date;
(5) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrete or
accrue interest;
(6) that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for
payment pursuant to the Offer to Purchase shall cease to accrue interest after the Purchase
Date;
(7) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any Offer to
Purchase shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder
to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer,
to the Company, a Depositary, if appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the address
specified in the notice at least three days before the Purchase Date;
(8) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Company, the
Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the second
Business Day prior to the Purchase Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter
setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered
for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note
purchased;
(9) that, in the case of a Net Proceeds Offer, if the aggregate principal amount of
Notes tendered by Holders into an Offer to Purchase exceeds the Offer Amount, the Trustee
shall select the Notes to be purchased (i) if the Notes are listed, in compliance with the
requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are then
listed or (ii) if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as
may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000, or
integral multiples of $1,000, shall be purchased);
(10) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes
equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or
transferred by book-entry transfer); and
(11) in the case of a Change of Control Offer, the circumstances and relevant facts
regarding such Change of Control.
(c) If the Purchase Date is on or after a Regular Record Date and on or before the related
Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name a
Note is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date, and no additional interest
shall be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Offer to Purchase
(d) On or before the Purchase Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, accept for
payment, in accordance with clause (9) of Section 3.09(b), the Offer Amount of Notes or portions
thereof tendered pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, or if less than the Offer Amount has been
tendered, all Notes tendered, shall deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the purchase
price for all Notes so accepted for purchase and shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’
Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Company in
accordance with the terms of this Section 3.09. The Company, the Depositary or the Paying Agent,
as the case may be, shall promptly mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the
purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Company for purchase, and
the Company shall promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon written request from the Company
shall authenticate and mail or deliver such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to
any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed
or delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company shall publicly announce the results
of the Offer to Purchase on or as soon as practicable after the Purchase Date.
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ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.01. PAYMENT OF NOTES.
The Company shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on,
the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and in this Indenture. Principal,
premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if
other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 11:00 a.m.,
New York time, on the due
date money deposited by the Company in immediately available funds and designated for and
sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due and the Paying Agent is not
prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date. Interest shall be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
SECTION 4.02. MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY.
(a) The Company shall maintain an office or agency (which unless otherwise provided will be
the office of the Trustee) where Notes may be presented or 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 shall 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
shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail 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, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent
to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.
(b) 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. The Company shall 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.
(c) The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, as one such
office, drop facility or agency of the Company in accordance with Section 4.02(a).
SECTION 4.03. REPORTS.
(a) Whether or not required by the Commission, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the
Company will furnish to the Holders of Notes, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s
rules and regulations for a company subject to reporting under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act:
(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 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 on Form
8-K if the Company were required to file such reports.
(b) In addition, whether or not required by the Commission, the Company will file a copy of
all of the information and reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above with the Commission for
public availability within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and regulations for
a company subject to reporting under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (unless the
Commission will not accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities
analysts and prospective investors upon request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent the
Company files the information and reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above with the
Commission and such information is publicly available on the Internet, the Company shall be deemed
to be in compliance with its
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obligations to furnish such information to the Holders of the Notes and to make such
information available to securities analysts and prospective investors.
SECTION 4.04. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
SECTION 4.05. LIMITATION ON SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS.
The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into
any Sale and Leaseback Transaction unless:
(1) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would be entitled to:
(A) incur Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Indebtedness with
respect to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction pursuant to Section 4.09; and
(B) create a Lien on such property securing such Attributable Indebtedness
without also securing the Notes or the applicable Guarantee pursuant to Section
4.12; and
(2) such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is effected in compliance with Section 4.10.
SECTION 4.06. PAYMENTS FOR CONSENT.
The Company will not, and will 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 of Notes for 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 of the
Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation
documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
SECTION 4.07. RESTRICTED PAYMENTS.
(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of
the Company’s Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment in connection
with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) or to the direct or indirect holders
of the Company’s Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or
distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company);
(2) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without
limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any Equity
Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company, in each case held
by Persons other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(3) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise
acquire or retire for value, any Indebtedness that is subordinated to the Notes or the
Subsidiary Guarantees, except a payment of interest or principal at the Stated Maturity
thereof; or
(4) make any Restricted Investment;
(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (1) through (4) above being collectively
referred to as “Restricted Payments”), unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such
Restricted Payment:
(A) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur
as a consequence thereof;
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(B) 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
(C) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted
Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of this
Indenture (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clause (2), (3), (4), (5) or (6) of
Section 4.07(b)), is less than the sum, without duplication, of:
(i) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as
one accounting period) commencing on the first day of the fiscal quarter in which the
2018 Notes Issue Date occurred to and ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter
ended immediately prior to the date of such calculation for which internal financial
statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such
Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit);
plus
(ii) 100% of the aggregate net proceeds (including the fair market value of
property other than cash) received by the Company since the date of this Indenture as
a contribution to its common equity capital or from the issue or sale of Equity
Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the issue or sale of
Disqualified Stock or debt securities of the Company that have been converted into or
exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests (or Disqualified
Stock or debt securities) sold to a Subsidiary of the Company); plus
(iii) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made after the date
of this Indenture is sold for cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid for cash, the
lesser of (x) the cash return of capital with respect to such Restricted Investment
(less the cost of disposition, if any) and (y) the initial amount of such Restricted
Investment; plus
(iv) upon redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted
Subsidiary, the fair market value of such Subsidiary.
(b) The provisions of Section 4.07(a) shall not prohibit:
(1) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof,
if at said date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of this
Indenture;
(2) the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition of any
subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any Equity
Interests of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in exchange for, or out of
the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company) of, Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified
Stock); provided that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any
such redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition shall be excluded
from clause (C)(ii) of Section 4.07(a);
(3) the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition of
subordinated Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries with the net cash proceeds from an incurrence of Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness;
(4) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any
Equity Interests of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company held by any
member of the Company’s (or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’) management pursuant to any
management equity subscription agreement or stock option agreement; provided that the
aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired Equity
Interests shall not exceed $7.5 million in any twelve-month period;
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(5) Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed $100.0 million; and
(6) Permitted Additional Restricted Payments;
provided that in the case of clause (4), (5) or (6), no Default shall have occurred and be
continuing.
(c) The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall 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 Restricted 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 shall be approved in good faith by the Board of Directors, whose resolution with respect
thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee. Not later than the date of making any Restricted
Payment other than payments pursuant to clause (2), (3), (4) or (5) of Section 4.07(b), the Company
shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is
permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by this Section 4.07
were computed.
(d) The Board of Directors may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted
Subsidiary in accordance with the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” if the designation would
not cause a Default. All outstanding Investments owned by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries in the designated Unrestricted Subsidiary will be treated as an Investment made at the
time of the designation and will reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section
4.07(a) or Permitted Investments, as applicable. All such outstanding Investments will be treated
as Restricted Investments equal to the fair market value of such Investments at the time of the
designation. The designation will not be permitted if such Restricted Payment would not be
permitted at that time and if such Restricted Subsidiary does not otherwise meet the definition of
an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors may redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to
be a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.”
SECTION 4.08. DIVIDEND AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING SUBSIDIARIES.
(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the
ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
(1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company
or any of the Company’s 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 the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries;
(2) make loans or advances to the Company or any of the Company’s Restricted
Subsidiaries; or
(3) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of the Company’s
Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b) Section 4.08(a) will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason
of:
(1) Existing Indebtedness, the 2018 Notes, the 2018 Notes Indenture and the Credit
Agreement as in effect on the date of this Indenture and any amendments, modifications,
restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings
thereof, provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases,
supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are not materially more restrictive,
taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those
contained in such Existing Indebtedness, the 2018 Notes, the 2018 Notes Indenture or the
Credit Agreement, as in effect on the date of this Indenture;
(2) this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees;
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(3) applicable law;
(4) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition
(except to the extent such Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or in contemplation
of 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, provided that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was
permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred;
(5) customary non-assignment provisions in leases, licenses, contracts and other
agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practices;
(6) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business
that impose restrictions on the property so acquired of the nature described in clause (3)
of Section 4.08(a);
(7) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary that
restricts distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;
(8) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, provided that the restrictions contained in the
agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more
restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the
Indebtedness being refinanced;
(9) any agreement creating a Lien securing Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be
incurred pursuant to Section 4.12, to the extent limiting the right of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to dispose of the assets subject to such Lien;
(10) provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or property
in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course
of business;
(11) customary provisions applicable to Foreign Subsidiaries under Indebtedness of
Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred under this Indenture and in “support
agreements” and Guarantees of any such Indebtedness;
(12) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under
contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(13) customary restrictions under Receivables Financings permitted to be incurred under
this Indenture; and
(14) any operating lease or Capital Lease Obligation, insofar as the provisions thereof
limit the grant of a security interest in, or other assignment of, the related leasehold
interest to any other Person.
SECTION 4.09. INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS AND ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK.
(a) The Company will not, and will 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 the Company will not issue any Disqualified Stock and will not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is not a Guarantor to issue any shares of preferred
stock; provided, however, that the Company and any of the Guarantors may incur Indebtedness
(including Acquired Debt) or issue Disqualified Stock, and the Guarantors may issue preferred
stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company’s 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 Disqualified Stock or preferred stock is
issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma
application of the net proceeds therefrom) as if the additional Indebtedness had
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been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or preferred stock had been issued, as the case may
be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.
(b) Section 4.09(a) will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following items of
Indebtedness (collectively, “Permitted Debt”):
(1) the incurrence by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness and
letters of credit under Credit Facilities in an aggregate amount (with letters of credit
being deemed to have an amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries thereunder) not to exceed $2.25 billion, less the sum of (i) the
aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to repay Indebtedness under Credit Facilities pursuant to Section
4.10 and (ii) the amount of Indebtedness in excess of $150.0 million incurred pursuant to
clause (10) of this Section 4.09(b);
(2) the incurrence by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries of Existing
Indebtedness;
(3) the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the
Notes (excluding any Additional Notes), the Subsidiary Guarantees of all Notes, the 2018
Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees of all 2018 Notes;
(4) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness
represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings or purchase money obligations,
in each case, incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or
cost of construction or improvement of assets used in the business of the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary, or in respect of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction, in an aggregate
principal amount, and all Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance or replace any
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (4), not to exceed $50.0 million at any time
outstanding;
(5) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to refund,
refinance or replace, Indebtedness incurred under clause (2) or (3) above or this clause (5)
or pursuant to Section 4.09(a);
(6) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness
owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that:
(a) if the Company or any Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness, and
such Indebtedness is held by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, such
Indebtedness must be expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of
all Obligations with respect to the Notes, in the case of the Company, or the
Subsidiary Guarantee of such Guarantor, in the case of a Guarantor; and
(b) (i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in
any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary thereof and (ii) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a
Person that is not either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof shall be
deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by
this clause (6);
(7) Indebtedness under Hedging Obligations entered into for bona fide hedging purposes
of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and not for the purpose of speculation; provided
that in the case of Hedging Obligations relating to interest rates, (a) such Hedging
Obligations relate to payment obligations on Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred
by this covenant and (b) the notional principal amount of such Hedging Obligations at the
time incurred does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Hedging
Obligations relate;
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(8) the guarantee by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness
of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was permitted to be incurred
by another provision of this covenant and could have been incurred (in compliance with this
covenant) by the Person so guaranteeing such Indebtedness;
(9) the incurrence by any of the Company’s Foreign Subsidiaries of Indebtedness in an
aggregate principal amount, including all Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance or
replace any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (9), not to exceed (x) $75.0
million at any time outstanding plus (y) $65.0 million at any time outstanding; provided
that any Indebtedness under this subclause (y) shall be supported by a letter of credit
incurred under one or more Credit Facilities pursuant to clause (1) of this Section 4.09(b);
(10) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of
Indebtedness pursuant to a Receivables Financing;
(11) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of
a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight
overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided,
however, that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of incurrence;
(12) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of
security for workers’ compensation claims, payment obligations in connection with
self-insurance, performance bonds, surety bonds or similar requirements in the ordinary
course of business;
(13) indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn-out or similar obligations, in
each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any
business or assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or Equity Interests of a
Restricted Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person
acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or Equity Interests for the purpose of
financing or in contemplation of any such acquisition; provided that (a) any amount of such
obligations included on the face of the balance sheet of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary shall not be permitted under this clause (13) and (b) in the case of a
disposition, the maximum aggregate liability in respect of all such obligations outstanding
under this clause (13) shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds actually received by the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition; and
(14) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of additional
Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) at any time
outstanding, including all Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance or replace any
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (14), not to exceed $100.0 million.
(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 (1) through (14) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first
paragraph of this covenant, the Company will be permitted to classify such item of Indebtedness on
the date of its incurrence (or later reclassify such Indebtedness in whole or in part) in any
manner that complies with this covenant. In addition, the accrual of interest, accretion or
amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of
additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in
the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock will not be treated as an
incurrence of Indebtedness; provided, in each such case, that the amount thereof is included in
Fixed Charges of the Company as accrued. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Indebtedness
outstanding pursuant to the Credit Agreement on the date of this Indenture will be deemed to have
been incurred pursuant to clause (1) of the definition of “Permitted Debt.”
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred
pursuant to this covenant shall not be deemed to be exceeded with respect to any outstanding
Indebtedness due solely to the result of fluctuations in the exchange rates of currencies.
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(e) For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar denominated 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 Protection 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 Protection
Agreement. The principal amount of any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred in the same
currency as the Indebtedness being refinanced will be the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the
Indebtedness refinanced, except to the extent that (1) such U.S. Dollar Equivalent was determined
based on a Currency Protection Agreement, in which case the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness will
be determined in accordance with the preceding sentence, and (2) the principal amount of the
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness exceeds the principal amount of the Indebtedness being
refinanced, in which case the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of such excess, as appropriate, will be
determined on the date such Permitted Refinancing Debt is incurred.
(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (a) through (e) of this Section 4.09, the
Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary 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) subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or of
such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is also by its terms (or
by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) made expressly subordinated in the right
of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, to the same
extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to such
other Indebtedness of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be.
For purposes of this Section 4.09(f), no Indebtedness will be deemed to be subordinated in
right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary solely by
virtue of being unsecured or secured by a junior priority Lien or by virtue of the fact that the
holders of such Indebtedness have entered into intercreditor agreements or other arrangements
giving one or more of such holders priority over the other holders in the collateral held by them,
including intercreditor agreements that contain customary provisions requiring turnover by holders
of junior prior liens of proceeds of collateral in the event that the security interests in favor
of the holders of the senior priority in such intended collateral are not perfected or invalidated
and similar customary provisions protecting the holders of senior priority liens.
SECTION 4.10. LIMITATION ON ASSET SALES.
(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
consummate an Asset Sale unless:
(1) the Company (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives
consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the
assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of, as approved in good
faith by the Company’s Board of Directors; and
(2) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents. For purposes of this
provision only (and specifically not for the purposes of the definition of “Net Proceeds”),
each of the following shall be deemed to be cash:
(i) any liabilities (as shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s
most recent balance sheet) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than
contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the
Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee of any such
assets; and
(ii) any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any
such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that within 90 days are converted by
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash
received in that conversion); and
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(iii) the fair market value of (x) any assets (other than securities or current
assets) received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that will be used or
useful in a Related Business, (y) Equity Interests in a Person that is a Restricted
Subsidiary or in a Person engaged in a Related Business that shall become a
Restricted Subsidiary immediately upon the acquisition of such Equity Interests by
the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary or (z) a combination of (x) and
(y); provided that the determination of the fair market value of assets or Equity
Interests in excess of $50.0 million received in any transaction or series of related
transactions shall be evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee.
(b) Within a period of 360 days (commencing after the Issue Date) before or after the receipt
of any Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale (provided that if during such 360-day period after the
receipt of any such Net Proceeds the Company (or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary) enters into
a definitive binding agreement committing it to apply such Net Proceeds in accordance with the
requirements of clause (B), (D) or (E) of this paragraph after such 360th day, such 360-day period
will be extended with respect to the amount of Net Proceeds so committed for a period not to exceed
120 days until such Net Proceeds are required to be applied in accordance with such agreement (or,
if earlier, until termination of such agreement)), the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, at
its option, may apply an amount equal to the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale:
(A) to repay, prepay, redeem or repurchase Indebtedness (other than securities) under
Credit Facilities or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor (other
than Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary owed to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries) and, in the case of any such Indebtedness under any revolving credit facility,
effect a permanent reduction in the availability under such revolving credit facility (or
effect a permanent reduction in the availability under such revolving credit facility
regardless of the fact that no prepayment is required in order to do so (in which case no
prepayment shall be required));
(B) to acquire Equity Interests in a Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary or in a
Person engaged in a Related Business that shall become a Restricted Subsidiary immediately
upon the acquisition of such Equity Interests by the Company or the applicable Restricted
Subsidiary;
(C) to make capital expenditures;
(D) to acquire other assets (other than securities or current assets) that will be used
or useful in a Related Business;
(E) to make Investments in Joint Ventures pursuant to clauses (13) and (14) of the
definition of “Permitted Investments”; or
(F) to a combination of prepayment and investment permitted by the foregoing clauses
(A), (B), (C), (D) and (E).
(c) Pending the final application of such Net Proceeds, the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary may temporarily reduce borrowings under the Credit Facilities or any other revolving
credit facility or Receivables Financings, if any, or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in Cash
Equivalents, in each case in a manner not prohibited by this Indenture. Subject to the last
sentence of this paragraph, on the 361st day (as extended pursuant to the provisions in Section
4.10(b)) after an Asset Sale or such earlier date, if any, as the Board of Directors of the Company
or of such Restricted Subsidiary determines not to apply the Net Proceeds relating to such Asset
Sale as set forth in clause (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) or (F) of Section 4.10(b) (each, a “Net
Proceeds Offer Trigger Date”), such aggregate amount of Net Proceeds which have not been applied
(or committed to be applied pursuant to a definitive agreement as described in Section 4.10(b)) on
or before such Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date as permitted in clause (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) or
(F) of Section 4.10(b) (each a “Net Proceeds Offer Amount”) shall be applied by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary to make an offer to purchase (the “Net Proceeds Offer”) on the Purchase Date,
from all Holders (and, if required by the terms of any other Indebtedness of the Company ranking
pari passu with the Notes in right of payment and which has similar provisions requiring the
Company either to make an offer to repurchase or to otherwise repurchase, redeem or repay such
Indebtedness with the proceeds from Asset Sales, including the 2018 Notes and the related
Guarantees thereof (the “Pari Passu Indebtedness”), from the holders of
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such Pari Passu Indebtedness) on a pro rata basis (in proportion to the respective principal
amounts or accreted value, as the case may be, of the Notes and any such Pari Passu Indebtedness)
an aggregate principal amount of Notes (plus, if applicable, an aggregate principal amount or
accreted value, as the case may be, of Pari Passu Indebtedness) equal to the Net Proceeds Offer
Amount at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes (or 100% of the principal
amount or accreted value, as the case may be, of such Pari Passu Indebtedness), plus accrued and
unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the Purchase Date; provided, however, that if at any time any
non-cash consideration received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, in
connection with any Asset Sale is converted into or sold or otherwise disposed of for cash (other
than interest received with respect to any such non-cash consideration), then such conversion or
disposition shall be deemed to constitute an Asset Sale hereunder and the Net Proceeds thereof
shall be applied in accordance with this covenant. The Company may defer the Net Proceeds Offer
until there is an aggregate unutilized Net Proceeds Offer Amount equal to or in excess of $50.0
million resulting from one or more Asset Sales (at which time the entire unutilized Net Proceeds
Offer Amount, and not just the amount in excess of $50.0 million, shall be applied as required
pursuant to this paragraph, and in which case the Net Proceeds Offer Trigger Date shall be deemed
to be the earliest date that the Net Proceeds Offer Amount is equal to or in excess of $50.0
million).
(d) To the extent that the aggregate amount of the Notes (plus, if applicable, the aggregate
principal amount or accreted value, as the case may be, of any Pari Passu Indebtedness) tendered
pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer is less than the Net Proceeds Offer Amount, the Company may use
such excess Net Proceeds Offer Amount for general corporate purposes or for any other purpose not
prohibited by this Indenture. Upon completion of any such Net Proceeds Offer, the Net Proceeds
Offer Amount shall be reset at zero. A Net Proceeds Offer shall remain open for a period of 20
Business Days or such longer period as may be required by law.
(e) The Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, will comply with
the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations
thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase
of Notes pursuant to a Net Proceeds Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities
laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 4.10 or Section 3.09, the Company
or such Restricted Subsidiary shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and
shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Indenture by virtue thereof.
SECTION 4.11. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES.
(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly, make any payment to, or sell, lease, 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, loan or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate
of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (each, an “Affiliate Transaction”), unless:
(1) such 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
transaction at such time by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated
Person; and
(2) the Company delivers to the Trustee:
(A) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $25.0 million, a
resolution of the Board of Directors set forth in an Officers’ Certificate
certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with this covenant and that such
Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members
of the Board of Directors; and
(B) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $50.0 million, an
opinion as to the fairness to the Holders of such Affiliate Transaction from a
financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking
firm of national standing.
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(b) The following items shall not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will
not be subject to Section 4.11(a):
(1) transactions between or among the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries and
transactions between or among Restricted Subsidiaries;
(2) Restricted Payments that are permitted by Section 4.07;
(3) customary transactions in connection with a Receivables Financing or an industrial
revenue bond financing;
(4) reasonable fees and compensation paid to (including issuances and grant of Equity
Interests of the Company, employment agreements and stock option and ownership plans for the
benefit of), and indemnity and insurance provided on behalf of, officers, directors,
employees or consultants of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course
of business as approved in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors or senior
management;
(5) (x) any agreement in effect on the Issue Date and disclosed in the Prospectus
Supplement (including by incorporation by reference), as in effect on the Issue Date or as
thereafter amended or replaced in any manner, that, taken as a whole, is not more
disadvantageous to the Holders or the Company in any material respect than such agreement as
it was in effect on the Issue Date or (y) any transaction pursuant to any agreement referred
to in the immediately preceding clause (x); or
(6) loans or advances to employees and officers of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries permitted by clause (9) of the definition of “Permitted Investments.”
SECTION 4.12. LIENS.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, (1) assign or convey any right to receive income on any asset now owned or hereafter
acquired or (2) create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of any kind securing Indebtedness
or trade payables on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired or on any income or profits
therefrom except, in each case, Permitted Liens, unless the Notes and the Guarantees, as
applicable, are
(1) in the case of any Lien securing an obligation that ranks pari passu with the Notes
or a Subsidiary Guarantee, effective provision is made to secure the Notes or such
Subsidiary Guarantee, as the case may be, at least equally and ratably with or prior to such
obligation with a Lien on the same assets of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as
the case may be; and
(2) in the case of any Lien securing an obligation that is subordinated in right of
payment to the Notes or a Subsidiary Guarantee, effective provision is made to secure the
Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantee, as the case may be, with a Lien on the same assets of
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that is prior to the Lien
securing such subordinated obligation,
in each case, for so long as such Obligation is secured by such Lien.
SECTION 4.13. OFFER TO REPURCHASE UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL.
(a) If a Change of Control occurs, each Holder will have the right to require the Company to
purchase all or a portion (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of
such Holder’s Notes (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase (subject to the
right of Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on an
Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the date fixed for redemption).
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(b) Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall mail a notice to each
Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 3.09,
that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes purchased.
(c) The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Section 14(e)
of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the purchase of
Notes pursuant to this Indenture. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or
regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall comply with the
applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations
under any covenant of this Indenture by virtue of this compliance.
(d) The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer if 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 validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control
Offer.
SECTION 4.14. CORPORATE EXISTENCE.
Except as otherwise permitted by Article V, the Company will do or cause to be done all things
necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence.
SECTION 4.15. ADDITIONAL SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES.
If, after the date of this Indenture, (a) any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (including
any newly formed, newly acquired or newly redesignated Restricted Subsidiary) guarantees any
Indebtedness of the Company, (b) any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (including any
newly formed, newly acquired or newly redesignated Restricted Subsidiary) becomes a borrower or
guarantor under any Credit Facility or a guarantor under the 2018 Notes or (c) the Company
otherwise elects to have any Restricted Subsidiary become a Guarantor, then, in the case of clauses
(a) and (b) within 10 Business Days of the event under such clause occurring and in the case of
clause (c) at the Company’s election, the Company shall cause such Restricted Subsidiary to:
(i) execute and deliver to the Trustee (a) a supplemental indenture in form and
substance satisfactory to the Trustee pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall
unconditionally guarantee all of the Company’s obligations under the Notes and this
Indenture and (b) a notation of guarantee in respect of its Subsidiary Guarantee; and
(ii) deliver to the Trustee one or more Opinions of Counsel that such supplemental
indenture (a) has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Restricted Subsidiary
and (b) constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary in
accordance with its terms.
SECTION 4.16. COVENANT SUSPENSION.
If on any date following the Issue Date the Notes have an Investment Grade Rating from both
Rating Agencies and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under this
Indenture, then beginning on that day and subject to the provisions of the following paragraph, the
provisions specifically listed under the following Sections in this Indenture will be suspended:
(1) Section 4.07,
(2) Section 4.08
(3) Section 4.09,
(4) Section 4.10,
(5) Section 4.11, and
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(6) clause (a)(ii) of Section 5.01
(collectively, the “Suspended Covenants”). The period during which covenants are suspended
pursuant to this Section is called the “Suspension Period.”
In the event that the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended
Covenants for any period of time as a result of the second preceding sentence and, subsequently,
one of the Rating Agencies withdraws its ratings or downgrades the rating assigned to the Notes so
that the Notes no longer have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies or a Default or
Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries will
from such time and thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants and compliance with the
Suspended Covenants with respect to Restricted Payments made after the time of such withdrawal,
Default or Event of Default will be calculated in accordance with the terms of Section 4.07 and
Section 4.09 as though such covenant had been in effect during the entire period of time from the
Issue Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing and any other provision of this Indenture, the Notes or
the Guarantees, no Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to exist under this Indenture, the
Notes or the Guarantees with respect to the Suspended Covenants based on, and none of the Company
or any of the Subsidiaries shall bear any liability with respect to the Suspended Covenants for,
(a) any actions taken or events occurring during a Suspension Period (including without limitation
any agreements, Liens, preferred stock, obligations (including Indebtedness), or of any other facts
or circumstances or obligations that were incurred or otherwise came into existence during a
Suspension Period) or (b) any actions required to be taken at any time pursuant to any contractual
obligation entered into during a Suspension Period, regardless of whether such actions or events
would have been permitted if the applicable Suspended Covenants remained in effect during such
period.
ARTICLE V
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, TRANSFER OR LEASE
SECTION 5.01. MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF ASSETS.
(a) The Company will not, directly or indirectly, in a single transaction or series of related
transactions, consolidate or merge with or into any Person or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey
or otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to sell,
assign, transfer, lease convey or otherwise dispose of) all or substantially all of the Company’s
assets (determined on a consolidated basis) for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries,
whether as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, to any Person unless:
(i) either:
(1) the Company shall be the surviving or continuing corporation or
(2) the Person (if other than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into
which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by sale, assignment,
transfer, lease conveyance or other disposition the properties and assets of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as an entirety or substantially as an
entirety (the “Surviving Entity”)
(x) shall be a corporation organized and validly existing under the
laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and
(y) shall expressly assume, by supplemental indenture (in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee), executed and delivered to
the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and premium,
if any, and interest on all of the Notes and the performance of every
covenant of the Notes, this Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement
on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;
(ii) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction or series of
transactions and the assumption contemplated by clause (i)(2)(y) above (including giving
effect to any Indebtedness and
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Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, in each case, incurred or anticipated to be incurred in connection with
or in respect of such transaction), the Company or such Surviving Entity, as the case may
be, shall be able to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted
Debt) pursuant to Section 4.09; provided, however, that this clause (ii) shall not apply
during any Suspension Period;
(iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions and
the assumption contemplated by clause (i)(2)(y) above (including, without limitation, giving
effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Debt, in each case, incurred or anticipated to be
incurred and any Lien granted in connection with or in respect of such transaction), no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and
(iv) the Company or such Surviving Entity, as the case may be, shall have delivered to
the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such
consolidation, merger, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition
and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such
supplemental indenture comply with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and that all
conditions precedent in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been satisfied.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the merger of the Company with an Affiliate incorporated solely
for the purpose of reincorporating the Company in another jurisdiction shall be permitted without
regard to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding paragraph. For purposes of the foregoing, the
transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or otherwise, in a single transaction or series of
transactions) of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of one or more Restricted
Subsidiaries of the Company, the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or substantially all of the
properties and assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially
all of the properties and assets of the Company.
(b) Each Guarantor will not, and the Company will not cause or permit any Guarantor to,
directly or indirectly, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, consolidate or
merge with or into any Person other than the Company or any other Guarantor unless:
(i) if the Guarantor was a corporation or limited liability company under the laws of
the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, the entity formed by or
surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Guarantor) is a corporation or
limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any
state thereof or the District of Columbia;
(ii) such entity assumes by supplemental indenture all of the obligations of the
Guarantor on its Guarantee;
(iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and
(iv) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and the use of any net
proceeds therefrom on a pro forma basis, the Company could satisfy the provisions of clause
(ii) of Section 5.01(a).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the requirements of this Section 5.01(b) will not apply to any
transaction pursuant to which such Guarantor is permitted to be released from its Subsidiary
Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.04.
SECTION 5.02. SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED.
Upon any consolidation or merger of the Company or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease,
conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in
accordance with Section 5.01 in which the Company is not the continuing corporation, the successor
Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such sale,
assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be
substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture, the
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Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement with the same effect as if such Surviving Entity
had been named as such; provided, however, that the Company shall not be released from its
obligations under this Indenture, the Notes or the Registration Rights Agreement in the case of a
lease.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
SECTION 6.01. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.
Each of the following is an “Event of Default” with respect to the Notes:
(1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest upon the Notes;
(2) failure by the Company to comply with its obligations under Section 5.01;
(3) a default by the Company in the observance or performance of its obligations under
Section 4.03 which default continues for a period of 90 days;
(4) a default in the observance or performance of any other covenant or agreement
contained in this Indenture with respect to the Notes which default continues for a period
of 60 days after the Company receives written notice specifying the default (and demanding
that such default be remedied) from the Trustee or the Holders (with a copy to the Trustee)
of at least 25% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes;
(5) the failure to pay at final stated maturity (giving effect to any applicable grace
periods and any extensions thereof) the principal amount of any Indebtedness of the Company
or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company, or any other default resulting in the
acceleration of the final stated maturity of any such Indebtedness, if the aggregate
principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such
Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at final maturity or which has been
accelerated, aggregates $75.0 million or more at any time; provided that if any such default
is cured or waived or any acceleration rescinded or such Indebtedness is repaid within a
period of ten (10) days from the continuation of such default beyond any applicable grace
period or the occurrence of such acceleration, as the case may be, such Event of Default
under this Indenture and any consequential acceleration of the Notes shall automatically be
rescinded so long as such rescission does not conflict with any judgment or decree;
(6) one or more judgments in an aggregate amount in excess of $75.0 million (to the
extent not covered by independent third party insurance as to which the insurer has not
disclaimed coverage) shall have been rendered against the Company or any of its Significant
Subsidiaries and such judgments remain undischarged, unpaid or unstayed for a period of 60
days after such judgment or judgments become final and nonappealable;
(7) except as permitted by this Indenture, any Subsidiary Guarantee of any Significant
Subsidiary shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall
cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor that is a Significant
Subsidiary, or any Person acting on behalf of any such Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm
its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee;
(8) default in payment when due of the principal of or premium, if any, on the Notes
(including default in payment when due in connection with the purchase of Notes tendered
pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or Net Proceeds Offer on the date specified for such
payment in the applicable Offer to Purchase);
(9) a court having jurisdiction in the premises enters (x) a decree or order for relief
in respect of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant
Subsidiary in an involuntary case
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or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or other similar law or (y) a decree or order adjudging the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary a bankrupt or insolvent, or
approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or
composition of or in respect of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a
Significant Subsidiary under any applicable federal or state law, or appointing a custodian,
receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or of any
substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs,
and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order
unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or
(10) the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant
Subsidiary:
(i) commences a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or
state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or any other case
or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent;
(ii) consents to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary in an
involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any
bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary;
(iii) files a petition, as debtor, or answer or consent seeking reorganization
or relief under any applicable federal or state law;
(iv) consents to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking
possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or
similar official of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a
Significant Subsidiary or of any substantial part of its property;
(v) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors;
(vi) admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due; or
(vii) takes corporate action in furtherance of any such action.
SECTION 6.02. ACCELERATION OF MATURITY; RESCISSION AND ANNULMENT.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause (9) or (10) of
Section 6.01) with respect to Notes at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every
such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes may declare the principal amount of all the Outstanding Notes to be due and payable
immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and
upon any such declaration such principal amount of the Notes (or specified amount) plus accrued and
unpaid interest (and premium, if payable) shall become immediately due and payable. Upon payment
of such amount all obligations of the Company in respect of the payment of principal of the Notes
shall terminate.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Notes has been made
and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as
hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Notes, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such
declaration and its consequences if:
(1) if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree;
(2) if all existing Events of Default with respect to the Notes have been cured or
waived except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely because of the
acceleration;
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(3) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue
installments of interest and overdue principal with respect to the Notes, which has become
due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid; and
(4) if the Company has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reimbursed the
Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances.
No such rescission and waiver shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent
thereon.
If an Event of Default described in clause (9) or (10) of Section 6.01 occurs with respect to
the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest
on the Notes shall be due and payable immediately without any further action or notice.
SECTION 6.03. COLLECTION OF INDEBTEDNESS AND SUITS FOR ENFORCEMENT BY TRUSTEE.
The Company covenants that, if:
(a) default is made in the payment of any installment of interest on the Notes when such
interest or payment becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 calendar
days, or
(b) default is made in the payment of principal of (or premium, if any, on) the Notes at the
Maturity thereof,
then the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of the
Notes, the amount then due and payable on the Notes for the principal (and premium, if any) and
interest, if any, and, in addition thereto, 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.
If the Company fails to pay such amount forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own
name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of
the sums so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may
enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon the Notes and collect the moneys
adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company
or any other obligor upon the Notes wherever situated.
If an Event of Default with respect to the Notes occurs and is continuing, then the Trustee
may, in its discretion, proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of
Notes by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect
and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in
this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other
proper remedy.
SECTION 6.04. TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceedings, or any
voluntary or involuntary case under the federal Bankruptcy Laws, as now or hereafter constituted,
relative to the Company or any Guarantor, or the property of the Company or of any Guarantor or
their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Notes shall then be due
and payable as therein expressed or by declaration of acceleration or otherwise and irrespective of
whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company or any Guarantor for the payment of
overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding
or otherwise,
(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal (and premium, if any) and
interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Notes and to file such 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,
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disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in
such judicial proceeding, and
(b) to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such
claims and to distribute the same;
and any receiver, assignee, trustee, custodian, liquidator, sequestrator (or other similar
official) in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each such 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 such Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation,
expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and 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.
SECTION 6.05. TRUSTEE MAY ENFORCE CLAIMS WITHOUT POSSESSION OF DEBT SECURITIES.
All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Notes or Guarantees set forth in
this Indenture may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the
Notes or Guarantees or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such
proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name, as trustee of an express
trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for
the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes in respect of which such judgment has been
recovered.
SECTION 6.06. APPLICATION OF MONEY COLLECTED.
Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following
order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on
account of principal (and premium, if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Notes and the
notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:
FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07;
SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of (and premium, if
any) and interest on the Notes ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to
the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal (and premium, if any) and interest,
respectively; and
THIRD: The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto.
SECTION 6.07. LIMITATION ON SUITS.
No Holder of any Note shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise,
with respect to this Indenture or the Guarantees, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee,
or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(a) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of
Default;
(b) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes shall have
made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in
its own name as Trustee hereunder;
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(c) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity against the costs,
expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;
(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity
has failed to institute any such proceeding; and
(e) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during
such 60-day period by the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes;
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any
manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture or the Guarantees
to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to
obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this
Indenture or the Guarantees, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable
benefit of all of such Holders. For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this
Section 6.07, each and every Holder of Notes and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as
can be given at law or in equity.
SECTION 6.08. UNCONDITIONAL RIGHT OF HOLDERS TO RECEIVE PRINCIPAL, PREMIUM AND INTEREST.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Note shall have the
right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if
any) and (subject to Section 2.04 and Section 2.12) interest on such Note on the respective Stated
Maturity or Stated Maturities expressed in such Note (or, in the case of redemption, on the
Redemption Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and interest
thereon, and such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.
SECTION 6.09. RESTORATION OF RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.
If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy
under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has
been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case the
Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be
restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights
and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been
instituted.
SECTION 6.10. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE.
Except as otherwise expressly provided elsewhere in this Indenture, no right or remedy herein
conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any
other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be
cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter
existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy
hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other
appropriate right or remedy.
SECTION 6.11. DELAY OR OMISSION NOT WAIVER.
No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing
upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such
Event of Default or any acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Indenture or by
law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be
deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.
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SECTION 6.12. CONTROL BY HOLDERS.
The Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes shall have the
right to 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 the Trustee with respect to the Notes,
provided that:
(a) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture;
(b) subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to
follow any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Trust Officer or Trust Officers
of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so directed would be unjustly prejudicial to the
Holders of Notes not joining in any such direction; and
(c) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not
inconsistent with such direction.
SECTION 6.13. WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS.
The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes, may, on behalf of the Holders of all the Notes, waive any past Default or Event of Default
hereunder and its consequences, except a Default or Event of Default:
(a) in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Note, or
(b) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which, pursuant to Article IX, cannot be
modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Note affected.
Upon any such waiver, such Default or Event of Default shall cease to exist, and such Default
or Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of the
Notes under this Indenture, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or
impair any right consequent thereon.
SECTION 6.14. UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS.
All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Note by his acceptance thereof
shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, 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, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit
other than the Trustee of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in
its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party
litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses
made by such party litigant, but the provisions of this Section 6.14 shall not apply to any suit
instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder or group of Holders holding in the
aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes, or to any suit instituted by
any Holder of a Note for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest on such Note on or after the respective Stated Maturity or Stated Maturities expressed in
such Note (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date).
SECTION 6.15. WAIVER OF STAY OR EXTENSION LAWS.
The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time
insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any
stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the
covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully
do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will
not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will
suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
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ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.01. CERTAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default,
(1) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are
specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be
read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(2) 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; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provisions
hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under
a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of
this Indenture.
(b) In case an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall, with
respect to the Notes, exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and
use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use
under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(c) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability
for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct,
except that
(1) this subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of subsection (a) of
this Section 7.01;
(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith,
unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent
facts;
(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken, suffered or
omitted to be taken by it with respect to Notes in good faith in accordance with the
direction of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes
relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this
Indenture; and
(4) the Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise
incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the
exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing
that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not
reasonably assured to it.
(d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating
to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be
subject to the provisions of this Section 7.01.
SECTION 7.02. NOTICE OF DEFAULTS.
Within 90 days after the occurrence of any Default hereunder with respect to the Notes, the
Trustee shall give notice to all Holders of such Default hereunder known to the Trustee, unless
such Default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in
the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the
Notes, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of
directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or Trust Officers in good
faith determine that the
withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders; and provided,
further, that in the case of any Default of
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the character specified in Section 6.01(4) with
respect to the Notes no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the
occurrence thereof.
Notice given pursuant to this Section 7.02 shall be transmitted by mail:
(a) to all registered Holders, as the names and addresses of the registered Holders appear in
the Note Register; and
(b) to each Holder whose name and address appear in the information preserved at the time by
the Trustee in accordance with Section 7.02(a) of this Indenture.
SECTION 7.03. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:
(a) the Trustee may rely, and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting, upon any
resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document
believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;
(b) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced
by a Company Request or Company Order and any resolution of the Board of Directors shall be
sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;
(c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that
a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the
Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith
on its part, rely upon an Officers’ Certificate;
(d) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of
Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken,
suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;
(e) the Trustee shall 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 of Notes pursuant to this
Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity
against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such
request or direction;
(f) 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 Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and
other Person employed by the Trustee to act hereunder;
(g) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default except,
(i) any Event of Default under Section 6.01(1) or (8) or (ii) any Default or Event of Default of
which the Trustee shall have actually received written notice in accordance with Section 11.02 that
references this Indenture and the Notes, or of which a Trust Officer shall have obtained actual
knowledge;
(h) the Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the
Trustee may otherwise agree in writing with the Company;
(i) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated
in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document,
but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts
or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to
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make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records
and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney; and
(j) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties
hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be
responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with
due care by it hereunder.
SECTION 7.04. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR RECITALS OR ISSUANCE OF NOTES.
The recitals contained herein and in the Notes, except the Trustee’s certificates of
authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee assumes no
responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or
sufficiency of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes. The Trustee shall not be accountable
for the use or application by the Company of any Notes or the proceeds thereof.
SECTION 7.05. MAY HOLD NOTES.
The Trustee, any Paying Agent, the Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its
individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and, subject to Sections
7.08 and 7.13, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were
not Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar or such other agent.
SECTION 7.06. MONEY HELD IN TRUST.
Money in any currency held by the Trustee or any Paying Agent in trust hereunder need not be
segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Neither the Trustee nor any
Paying Agent shall be under any liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except
as otherwise agreed with the Company.
SECTION 7.07. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT.
The Company agrees:
(a) to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation in Dollars for all
services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision
of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);
(b) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee in Dollars
upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by
the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable
compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such
expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith; and
(c) to indemnify in Dollars the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Authenticating Agent and
their respective predecessors for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or
expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in
connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust or performance of its duties
hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or
liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties
hereunder.
As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section 7.07, the
Trustee shall have a claim prior to the Notes, upon all property and funds held or collected by the
Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of amounts due on the Notes.
The obligations of the Company under this Section 7.07 to compensate and indemnify the Trustee
and the other indemnified parties for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute
additional Indebtedness under this Indenture and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of
this Indenture.
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SECTION 7.08. QUALIFICATION; CONFLICTING INTERESTS.
This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA §§ 310(a)(1),
(2), and (5). If the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest as described in the TIA, it must
eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue or
resign. The Trustee shall be subject to TIA § 310(b).
SECTION 7.09. CORPORATE TRUSTEE REQUIRED; ELIGIBILITY.
There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation organized and
doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of
Columbia, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital
and surplus of at least $100,000,000, subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State or
District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least
annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining
authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent
report of condition so published. Neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company shall serve
as Trustee upon any Notes.
SECTION 7.10. RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL; APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR.
(a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee
pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the
successor Trustee under Section 7.11.
(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Notes by giving written notice
thereof to the Company. If an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee shall not have been
delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the
resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a
successor Trustee with respect to the Notes.
(c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Notes and a successor Trustee
appointed by Act of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding
Notes, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.
(d) If at any time:
(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 7.08 with respect to the Notes after
written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder for
at least six months, or
(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 7.09 with respect to the Notes
and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such
Holder, or
(3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or
insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public
officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the
purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,
then, in any such case, (i) the Company, by a Board Resolution, may remove the Trustee with respect
to the Notes, or (ii) subject to Section 6.14, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of such
Note for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition
any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a
successor Trustee for the Notes.
(e) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy
shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Notes, the Company, by a
Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Notes
and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 7.11. If, within one year after such
resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with
respect to the Notes shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of at least a
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majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Notes delivered to the Company and the
retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such
appointment, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Notes and, to that extent, supersede
the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Notes
shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of the Notes and accepted appointment in
the manner hereinafter provided, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of such a Note for at
least six months may, subject to Section 6.14, on behalf of himself and all others similarly
situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee
with respect to the Notes.
(f) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with
respect to the Notes and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Notes in the
manner and to the extent provided in Section 11.02 to the Holders. Each notice shall include the
name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Notes and the address of its Corporate Trust
Office.
SECTION 7.11. ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT BY SUCCESSOR.
(a) In the case of an appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Notes,
each such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and
to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or
removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any
further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee, but, on request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring
Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such
successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee, and shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee
hereunder, subject nevertheless to its claim, if any, provided for in Section 7.07.
(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Notes, the
Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Notes shall execute
and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such
appointment and which shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer
and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of
the retiring Trustee with respect to the Notes; and upon the execution and delivery of any such
supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to
the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or
conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring
Trustee with respect to the Notes, but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such
retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and
money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Notes.
(c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all
instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all
such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) and (b) of this Section 7.11, as the
case may be.
(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance
such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.
SECTION 7.12. MERGER, CONVERSION, CONSOLIDATION OR SUCCESSION TO BUSINESS.
Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be
consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which
the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the
corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided
that such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the
execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In
case any Notes shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any
successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such
authentication and deliver the Notes so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor
Trustee had itself authenticated such Notes. In case any Notes shall not have been authenticated
by such predecessor Trustee, any such successor Trustee may authenticate and deliver such Notes, in
either its own name or that of its predecessor Trustee, with the full force and effect which this
Indenture provides for the certificate of authentication of the Trustee.
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SECTION 7.13. PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST COMPANY.
The Trustee, in its capacity as Trustee hereunder, shall comply with 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.
SECTION 7.14. APPOINTMENT OF AUTHENTICATING AGENT.
As long as any Notes remain Outstanding, upon a Company Request, there shall be an
authenticating agent (the “Authenticating Agent”) appointed, for such period as the Company shall
elect, by the Trustee to act as its agent on its behalf and subject to its direction in connection
with the authentication and delivery of the Notes. Notes authenticated by such Authenticating
Agent shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all
purposes as if authenticated by such Trustee. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the
authentication and delivery of Notes by the Trustee or to the Trustee’s certificate of
authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of
the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of
such Trustee by such Authenticating Agent, except that only the Trustee may authenticate Notes upon
original issuance and pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof. Such Authenticating Agent shall at all
times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America
or of any state, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined
capital and surplus of at least $10,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by federal or
state authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually,
pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for
purposes of this Section 7.14, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall
be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of
condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.14, such Authenticating Agent shall resign
immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section 7.14.
Any corporation into which any Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted, or with which
it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation
to which any Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding the corporate
agency business of any Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be the Authenticating Agent with
respect to the Notes for which it served as Authenticating Agent without the execution or filing of
any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or such Authenticating Agent. Any
Authenticating Agent may at any time, and if it shall cease to be eligible shall, resign by giving
written notice of resignation to the applicable Trustee and to the Company.
Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time
any Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 7.14 with respect to the Notes, the Trustee shall, upon Company Request, appoint a
successor Authenticating Agent, and the Company shall provide notice of such appointment to all
Holders of Notes in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 11.02. Any successor
Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become vested with all
rights, powers, duties and responsibilities of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if
originally named as Authenticating Agent herein. The Trustee agrees to pay to the Authenticating
Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services and the Trustee shall be entitled
to be reimbursed for such payment, subject to the provisions of Section 7.07. The Authenticating
Agent for the Notes shall have no responsibility or liability for any action taken by it as such at
the direction of the Trustee.
If an appointment is made pursuant to this Section 7.14, the Notes may have endorsed thereon,
in addition to the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternative certificate of
authentication in the following form:
This is one of the Notes designated therein referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.
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U.S. Bank National Association, As Trustee
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By: |
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As Authenticating Agent |
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SECTION 7.15. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
SECTION 7.16. REPORTS BY TRUSTEE.
(a) Within 60 days after May 15 of each year, commencing May 15, 2011, the Trustee shall, to
the extent required by the TIA, transmit to all Holders of Notes, in the manner hereinafter
provided in this Section 7.16, a brief report dated such date with respect to any of the following
events which may have occurred within the previous 12 months (but if no such event has occurred
within such period no report need be transmitted):
(1) any change to its eligibility under Section 7.09 and its qualifications under
Section 7.08;
(2) the creation or any material change to a relationship specified in Section
310(b)(1)-(10) of the TIA;
(3) the character and amount of any advances (and if the Trustee elects so to state,
the circumstances surrounding the making thereof) made by the Trustee (as such) which remain
unpaid on the date of such report, and for the reimbursement of which it claims or may claim
a lien or charge, prior to that of the Notes, on any property or funds held or collected by
it as Trustee, except that the Trustee shall not be required (but may elect) to report such
advances if such advances so remaining unpaid aggregate not more than 1/2 of 1% of the
principal amount of the Outstanding Notes on the date of such report;
(4) any change to the amount, interest rate and maturity date of all other indebtedness
owing by the Company (or any other obligor on the Notes) to the Trustee in its individual
capacity, on the date of such report, with a brief description of any property held as
collateral security therefor, except an indebtedness based upon a creditor relationship
arising in any manner described in Section 7.13;
(5) any change to the property and funds, if any, physically in the possession of the
Trustee as such on the date of such report;
(6) any additional issue of Notes which the Trustee has not previously reported; and
(7) any action taken by the Trustee in the performance of its duties hereunder which it
has not previously reported and which in its opinion materially affects the Notes, except
action in respect of a default, notice of which has been or is to be withheld by the Trustee
in accordance with Section 7.02.
(b) The Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Notes, as hereinafter provided, a
brief report with respect to the character and amount of any advances (and if the Trustee elects so
to state, the circumstances surrounding the making thereof) made by the Trustee (as such) since the
date of the last report transmitted pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 7.16 (or if no such
report has yet been so transmitted, since the date of execution of this instrument) for the
reimbursement of which it claims or may claim a lien or charge, prior to that of the Notes, on
property or funds held or collected by it as Trustee, and which it has not previously reported
pursuant to this subsection, except that the Trustee shall not be required (but may elect) to
report such advances if such advances remaining unpaid at any time aggregate 10% or less of the
principal amount of the Outstanding Notes at such time, such report to be transmitted within 90
days after such time.
(c) Reports pursuant to this Section 7.16 shall be transmitted by mail:
(1) to all Holders, as the names and addresses of such Holders appear in the Register;
and
(2) except in the cases of reports pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section 7.16, to
each Holder of a Note whose name and address appear in the information preserved at the time
by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.05.
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A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the
Trustee with each stock exchange upon which any Notes are listed, with the Commission and also with
the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee when any Notes are listed on any stock exchange.
ARTICLE VIII
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
SECTION 8.01. SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE.
This Indenture, with respect to the Notes, shall be discharged and shall cease to be of
further effect (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of such
Notes, as expressly provided for herein) as to all outstanding Notes, when either:
(a) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or
destroyed Notes which 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 as provided in this Indenture) have been delivered to the
Registrar for cancellation, and
(1) the Company has paid all sums payable under this Indenture by the Company
with respect to all Notes, and
(2) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture
relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to all
Notes have been complied with; or
(b) the Company shall have given notice of redemption of all of the Notes, all of the
Notes shall have otherwise become due and payable or all of the Notes will become due and
payable, or may be called for redemption, within one year, and;
(1) the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the
Trustee or another trustee funds, in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of
Notes, U.S. legal tender, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in
such amounts as will be sufficient (without consideration of any reinvestment of
interest) to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness (including all principal and
accrued interest) on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation, together with irrevocable instructions from the Company directing the
Trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the
case may be;
(2) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the
date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit
will not result in a breach or violation of or default under any other material
instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;
(3) the Company has paid all other sums payable under this Indenture with
respect to all Notes; and
(4) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture with
respect to all Notes relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture
have been complied with.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to the Notes,
the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 7.07, the obligations of the Trustee to
any Authenticating Agent under Section 7.14, the obligations of the Company under Section 4.01,
and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to clause (b) of this Section
8.01, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 8.02 shall survive.
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SECTION 8.02. APPLICATION OF TRUST MONEY.
All money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.01 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, if
any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee.
SECTION 8.03. OPTION TO EFFECT LEGAL DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE.
The Company may, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution set forth
in an Officers’ Certificate, at any time, elect to have either Section 8.04 or 8.05 applied to all
Outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article VIII.
SECTION 8.04. LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE.
Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.03 of the option applicable to this Section 8.04
with respect the Notes, the Company shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth
in Section 8.06, be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to all
Outstanding Notes (and all obligations of any Guarantors with respect to any Guarantees shall be
discharged) on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal
Defeasance”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have
paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the Outstanding Notes, which shall
thereafter be deemed to be Outstanding only for the purposes of Section 8.07 and to have satisfied
all its other obligations under such Outstanding Notes and any supplemental indenture relating
thereto (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 shall survive until
otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of Outstanding Notes to
receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Notes when
such payments are due from the trust referred to in Section 8.06, (b) the Company’s obligations
with respect to the Notes 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; (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the
Trustee, and the Company’s obligations in connection therewith and (d) the provisions of this
Article VIII with respect to Legal Defeasance. Subject to compliance with this Article VIII, the
Company may exercise its option under this Section 8.04 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its
option under Section 8.05.
SECTION 8.05. COVENANT DEFEASANCE.
Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.03 of the option applicable to this Section 8.05,
the Company shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.06, be
released from its obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.03, 4.05, 4.07, 4.08,
4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15 and 5.01 with respect to the Outstanding Notes on and after the
date the conditions set forth in Section 8.06 are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”),
and the Events of Default set forth in Sections 6.01(2), 6.01(3), 6.01(5), and 6.01(6) of Indenture shall
cease to apply, in each case, on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.06 have
been satisfied, and the Notes shall 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 shall continue to be deemed Outstanding for all other
purposes hereunder (it being understood that it is intended that such Notes shall not be deemed
outstanding for accounting purposes) and the other terms of Covenant Defeasance specified in
Section 8.06 shall apply to the Notes. For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with
respect to the Outstanding Notes, the Company may omit to comply with and shall 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 shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default (other than Sections
6.01(1), 6.01(8), 6.01(9), and 6.01(10)) under Section 6.01 or the terms of any supplemental
indenture, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be
unaffected thereby.
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SECTION 8.06. CONDITIONS TO LEGAL OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE.
The following shall be the conditions to the application of either Section 8.04 or 8.05 to the
Outstanding Notes:
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:
(a) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of
the Holders, cash in United States dollars, U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination
thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal amount at maturity of, premium
and interest on the Outstanding Notes on the stated date for payment thereof or on the
applicable redemption date, as the case may be;
(b) in the case of an election under Section 8.04, the Company shall have delivered to
the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States of America 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 applicable issue date with
respect to such Notes, 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 shall confirm
that, the Holders of the Outstanding Notes 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;
(c) in the case of an election under Section 8.05, the Company shall have delivered to
the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States of America reasonably acceptable to
the Trustee confirming that the Holders of the Outstanding Notes 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;
(d) 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 the incurrence of
Indebtedness all or a portion of the proceeds of which will be used to defease such Notes
pursuant to this Article VIII concurrently with such incurrence and the grant of a Lien to
secure such Indebtedness) or insofar as Section 6.01(9) or 6.01(10) is concerned, at any
time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit;
(e) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under this Indenture or any supplemental indenture
relating to such Notes (other than a Default or an Event of Default resulting from the
borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such
borrowing) or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;
(f) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel (which may be
subject to customary exceptions) to the effect that after the 91st 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;
(g) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating
that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders over
any other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or
defrauding any other creditors of the Company or others;
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(h) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to
the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with; and
(i) the Company shall have paid or duly provided for payment of all amounts then due to
the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.07.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by clause (b) above with
respect to a Legal Defeasance need not be delivered if all Notes not therefor delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation (A) have become due and payable, or (B) will become due and payable on the
maturity date within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for giving of notice
of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company.
SECTION 8.07. DEPOSITED MONEY AND U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS TO BE HELD IN TRUST; OTHER MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS.
All cash and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the
Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.07, the
“Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.06 in respect of the Outstanding Notes shall 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, if any, and interest, but such cash and securities need
not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed
on or assessed against the cash or U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 8.06
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.
Anything in this Article VIII to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or
pay to the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or U.S. Government
Obligations held by it as provided in Section 8.06 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 8.06(a)), 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 8.08. REPAYMENT TO COMPANY.
Any cash or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or
then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on, any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, and premium, 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) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder shall thereafter, as an
unsecured creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee
or such Paying Agent with respect to such cash and securities, and all liability of the Company as
trustee thereof, shall 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 cause to be
published once, in The
New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that
such cash and securities remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall
not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance
of such cash and securities then remaining will be repaid to the Company.
SECTION 8.09. REINSTATEMENT.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any cash or U.S. Government Obligations in
accordance with Section 8.04 or 8.05, 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 obligations under this
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Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred
pursuant to Section 8.04 or 8.05 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to
apply all such cash and securities in accordance with Section 8.04 or 8.05, as the case may be;
provided, however, that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be
subrogated to the rights of the Holders to receive such payment from the cash and securities held
by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
SECTION 8.10. SURVIVAL.
The Trustee’s rights under this Article VIII shall survive termination of this Indenture or
the resignation of the Trustee.
ARTICLE IX
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
SECTION 9.01. SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITHOUT CONSENT OF HOLDERS.
Without the consent of any Holders, the Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and
the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental
hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency; or
(2) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of
certificated Notes; or
(3) to provide for the assumption of the Company’s obligations to Holders in the case
of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or
(4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the
Holders or that does not adversely affect in any material respect the legal rights under
this Indenture of any such Holder; or
(5) to add any Person as a Guarantor; or
(6) to comply with any requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain
the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA; or
(7) to remove a Guarantor which, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, ceases
to be liable in respect of its Guarantee; or
(8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under this Indenture by a
successor Trustee; or
(9) to secure all of the Notes; or
(10) to add to the covenants of the Company or any Guarantor for the benefit of the
Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor; or
(11) to conform this Indenture to the “Description of the Notes” contained in the
Offering Memorandum.
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SECTION 9.02. SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS.
(a) With respect to the Notes, subject to Sections 6.08 and 9.02(b), this Indenture, the Notes
and the Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of Outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, consents obtained in
connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, such Notes) and, subject to
Sections 6.08 and 9.02(b), any past default or compliance with any provisions may be waived with
the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Outstanding Notes (including,
without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange
offer for, such Notes).
(b) Notwithstanding Section 9.02(a), without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment
or waiver may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):
(1) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment,
supplement or waiver, including the waiver of Defaults or Events of Default, or to a
rescission and cancellation of a declaration of acceleration of Notes;
(2) reduce the rate of or change or have the effect of changing the time for
payment of interest, including Defaulted Interest, on the Notes;
(3) reduce the principal of or change or have the effect of changing the fixed
maturity of the Notes, or change the date on which the Notes may be subject to redemption,
or reduce the redemption price therefor;
(4) make the Notes payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;
(5) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture protecting the
right of each Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on the Notes on or
after the due date thereof or to bring suit to enforce such payment;
(6) waive a default in the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes;
provided that this clause (6) shall not limit the right of the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Notes to rescind and cancel a declaration of
acceleration of the Notes following delivery of an acceleration notice as described under
Section 6.02;
(7) contractually subordinate the Notes (or any related Guarantees) to any other
Indebtedness;
(8) modify any of the provisions of Section 9.02 or Section 6.13, except to increase
any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be
modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of Outstanding Notes affected thereby;
provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the
consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and
concomitant changes in this Section 9.02; or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance
with the requirements of Section 7.11.
(9) change the price payable by the Company for Notes repurchased pursuant to Sections
4.10 and 4.13 or after the occurrence of a Change of Control, modify or change in any
material respect the obligation of the Company to make and consummate a Change of Control
Offer or modify any of the provisions or definitions with respect thereto; or
(10) release any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary from any of its obligations
under its Subsidiary Guarantee or this Indenture, except as permitted by this Indenture;
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(c) It shall not be necessary for any act of Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the
particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act
shall approve the substance thereof
SECTION 9.03. EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture
permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the
Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in
relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is
authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter
into any such supplemental indenture which adversely affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or
immunities under this Indenture or otherwise in a material way.
SECTION 9.04. EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be
modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this
Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Notes affected thereby theretofore or thereafter
authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.
SECTION 9.05. CONFORMITY WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT.
Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the
requirements of the TIA as then in effect.
SECTION 9.06. REFERENCE IN NOTES TO SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES.
Notes authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant
to this Article and affected thereby may, and shall, if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in
form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the
Company shall so determine, new Notes so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and
the Board of Directors, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the
Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Notes.
SECTION 9.07. NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE.
Promptly after the execution by the Company and the appropriate Trustee of any supplemental
indenture pursuant to Section 9.02, the Company shall transmit to all Holders of the Notes affected
thereby, a notice setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture
ARTICLE X
NOTE GUARANTEES
SECTION 10.01. UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this Article to the contrary, the provisions of this
Article shall be applicable only to, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Notes and any
Additional Notes issued in accordance with Section 2.14.
(b) For value received, each of the Guarantors hereby fully, unconditionally and absolutely
Guarantees to the Holders and to the Trustee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and all other amounts due and payable under this
Indenture and the Notes by the Company, when and as such principal, premium, if any, and interest
shall become due and payable, whether at the stated maturity
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or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the
terms of the Notes and this Indenture, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.03.
(c) The Guarantee hereunder is intended to be a general, unsecured, senior obligation of each
of the Guarantors and will rank pari passu in right of payment with all unsecured debt of such
Guarantor that is not, by its terms, expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee.
Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder are guarantees of payment and
not of collection and shall be full, unconditional and absolute, irrespective of the validity,
regularity or enforceability of the Notes, the Guarantee (including the Guarantee of any other
Guarantor) 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 or any other Guarantor, or any action to enforce the same or any other
circumstances which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of the
Guarantors. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that in the event of a default in payment of the
principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, whether at the Stated Maturity or by
declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted
by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or, subject to Section 6.07, by the Holders, on the terms
and conditions set forth in this Indenture, directly against such Guarantor to enforce the
Guarantee without first proceeding against the Company or any other Guarantor.
(d) The obligations of each of the Guarantors under this Article shall be as aforesaid full,
unconditional and absolute and shall not be impaired, modified, released or limited by any
occurrence or condition whatsoever, including, without limitation, (A) any compromise, settlement,
release, waiver, renewal, extension, indulgence or modification of, or any change in, any of the
obligations and liabilities of the Company or any of the Guarantors contained in the Notes or this
Indenture, (B) any impairment, modification, release or limitation of the liability of the Company,
any of the Guarantors or either of their estates in bankruptcy, or any remedy for the enforcement
thereof, resulting from the operation of any present or future provision of any applicable
bankruptcy law, or other statute or from the decision of any court, (C) the assertion or exercise
by the Company, any of the Guarantors or the Trustee of any rights or remedies under the Notes or
this Indenture or their delay in or failure to assert or exercise any such rights or remedies, (D)
the assignment or the purported assignment of any property as security for the Notes, including all
or any part of the rights of the Company or any of the Guarantors under this Indenture, (E) the
extension of the time for payment by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any payments or other
sums or any part thereof owing or payable under any of the terms and provisions of the Notes or
this Indenture or of the time for performance by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any other
obligations under or arising out of any such terms and provisions or the extension or the renewal
of any thereof, (F) the modification or amendment (whether material or otherwise) of any duty,
agreement or obligation of the Company or any of the Guarantors set forth in this Indenture, (G)
the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets, marshaling of assets and liabilities, receivership, insolvency,
bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or
readjustment of, or other similar proceeding affecting, the Company or any of the Guarantors or any
of their respective assets, or the disaffirmance of the Notes, the Guarantee or this Indenture in
any such proceeding, (H) the release or discharge of the Company or any of the Guarantors from the
performance or observance of any agreement, covenant, term or condition contained in any of such
instruments by operation of law, (I) the unenforceability of the Notes, the Guarantee or this
Indenture or (J) any other circumstances (other than payment in full or discharge of all amounts
guaranteed pursuant to the Guarantee) which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable
discharge of a surety or guarantor.
(e) Each of the Guarantors hereby (A) waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing
of claims with a court in the event of the merger, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or any
of the Guarantors, and all demands whatsoever, (B) acknowledges that any agreement, instrument or
document evidencing the Guarantee may be transferred and that the benefit of its obligations
hereunder shall extend to each holder of any agreement, instrument or document evidencing the
Guarantee without notice to it and (C) covenants that the Guarantee will not be discharged except
by complete performance of the Guarantee. Each of the Guarantors further agrees that if at any
time all or any part of any payment theretofore applied by any Person to the Guarantee is, or must
be, rescinded or returned for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, the insolvency,
bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or any of the Guarantors, the Guarantee shall, to the
extent that such payment is or must be rescinded or returned, be deemed to have continued in
existence notwithstanding such application, and the Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be
reinstated, as the case may be, as though such application had not been made.
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(f) Each of the Guarantors shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders and the Trustee
against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by such Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of
this Indenture, provided, however, that such Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce or to
receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all of the
Notes and the Guarantee shall have been paid in full or discharged.
SECTION 10.02. EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF GUARANTEE.
(a) To further evidence the Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01, each of the Guarantors
hereby agrees that a notation relating to such Guarantee, as set forth in Exhibit E, shall be
endorsed on each Note entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee authenticated and delivered by the
Trustee and executed by either manual or facsimile signature of an officer of such Guarantor, or in
the case of a Guarantor that is a limited partnership, an officer of the general partner of each
Guarantor. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that the Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01
shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a
notation relating to the Guarantee. If any officer of the Guarantor, or in the case of a Guarantor
that is a limited partnership, any officer of the general partner of the Guarantor, whose signature
is on this Indenture or a Note no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates
such Note or at any time thereafter, the Guarantee of such Note shall be valid nevertheless. 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.
(b) The Trustee hereby accepts the trusts in this Indenture upon the terms and conditions
herein set forth.
SECTION 10.03. LIMITATION ON GUARANTORS’ LIABILITY.
Each Guarantor and by its acceptance hereof each Holder of a Note entitled to the benefits of
the Guarantee hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the guarantee by
such Guarantor pursuant to its Guarantee not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for
purposes of any Federal or state law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Holders of a Note
entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the
obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will,
after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor and to any
collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the
obligations of such other Guarantor under its Guarantee, result in the obligations of such
Guarantor under the Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under
Federal or state law.
SECTION 10.04. RELEASE OF GUARANTORS FROM GUARANTEE.
(a) The Guarantee of a Guarantor will be released:
(1) upon any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of
that Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation), in accordance with this
Indenture, to any Person other than the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(2) if such Guarantor merges with and into the Company, with the Company surviving such
merger;
(3) if the Company exercises its Legal Defeasance option or Covenant Defeasance option
pursuant to Section 8.03 or if the obligations under this Indenture are discharged in
accordance with Section 8.01;
(4) if such Guarantor is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with this
Indenture or otherwise ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary (including by way of liquidation
or dissolution) in a transaction permitted by this Indenture; or
(5) if such Guarantor ceases to be a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary and such
Guarantor is not otherwise required to provide a Subsidiary Guarantee of the Notes pursuant
to Section 4.15.
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(b) The Trustee shall deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing any release of a Guarantor
from the Guarantee upon receipt of a written request of the Company accompanied by an Officers’
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that the Guarantor is entitled to such release in accordance
with the provisions of this Indenture. Any Guarantor not so released remains liable for the full
amount of principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest on the Notes entitled to the benefits
of such Guarantee as provided in this Indenture, subject to the limitations of Section 10.03.
SECTION 10.05. GUARANTOR CONTRIBUTION.
In order to provide for just and equitable contribution among the Guarantors, the Guarantors
hereby agree, inter se, that in the event any payment or distribution is made by any Guarantor (a
“Funding Guarantor”) under its Guarantee, such Guarantor shall be entitled to a contribution from
each other Guarantor (if any) in a pro rata amount based on the net assets of each Guarantor
(including the Funding Guarantor) as of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of such
Guarantor, for all payments, damages and expenses incurred by that Funding Guarantor in discharging
the Company’ obligations with respect to the Notes or any other Guarantor’s obligations with
respect to its Guarantee.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 11.01. TRUST INDENTURE ACT CONTROLS.
If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision which
is required to be included in this Indenture by the TIA, the provision required by the TIA shall
control.
SECTION 11.02. NOTICES.
Any notice or communication by the Company or the Trustee to the other is duly given if in
writing and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return
receipt requested), facsimile or electronic transmission or overnight air courier guaranteeing
next-day delivery, to the other’s address:
if to the Company:
The
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
00000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
and
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
With a copy to:
Hunton & Xxxxxxxx LLP
0000 X Xxxxxx XX
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
Attention: J. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
if to the Trustee:
U.S. Bank National Association
00 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
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The Company or the Trustee, by notice to the other, may designate additional or different
addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
All notices and communications (other than those sent to the Trustee or Holders) shall 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 sent by facsimile transmission; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to
the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next-day delivery. All notices and
communications to the Trustee or Holders shall be deemed duly given and effective only upon
receipt.
Any notice or communication to a Holder shall 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 security register for the Notes. Any notice or communication shall 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 shall not affect its sufficiency
with respect to other Holders.
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 shall mail a copy to the Trustee
and each Agent at the same time.
SECTION 11.03. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
SECTION 11.04. CERTIFICATE AND OPINION AS TO CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.
Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any
provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:
(1) an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05) 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 complied with; and
(2) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee
(which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.05) stating that, in the opinion
of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been complied with.
SECTION 11.05. 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)) shall comply
with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and shall include:
(1) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such
covenant or condition;
(2) 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;
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(3) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such
examination or investigation as is necessary to enable such Person to express an informed
opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or
covenant has been satisfied.
SECTION 11.06. RULES BY TRUSTEE, PAYING 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 11.07. BUSINESS DAYS.
Unless otherwise specified pursuant to this Indenture or in any Note, in any case where any
Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity of the Notes shall not be a Business Day
at any Place of Payment for such Notes, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture
or of such Notes) payment of principal (and premium, if any) or interest need not be made at such
Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of
Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or
at the Stated Maturity, and no interest shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from
and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be, to
such Business Day if such payment is made or duly provided for on such Business Day.
SECTION 11.08. GOVERNING LAW.
THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE
AND THE NOTES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT
THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
SECTION 11.09. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS.
No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the
Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the
Company or of the Guarantors under the Notes, this 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.
SECTION 11.10. NOTE PURCHASES BY COMPANY AND AFFILIATES.
The Company and its Affiliates shall be permitted to purchase Notes, whether through private
purchase, open market purchase, tender offer, or otherwise. Such purchase or acquisition shall not
operate as or be deemed for any purpose to be a redemption of the Indebtedness represented by such
Notes. Any Notes purchased or acquired by the Company may be delivered to the Trustee and, upon
such delivery the Indebtedness represented thereby shall be deemed to be satisfied. The proviso to
the definition of “Outstanding Notes” shall be applicable to any Notes acquired by the Company and
its Affiliates.
SECTION 11.11. NO SECURITY INTEREST CREATED.
Nothing in this Indenture or in the Notes, express or implied, shall be construed to
constitute a security interest under the Uniform Commercial Code or similar legislation, as now or
hereafter enacted and in effect in any jurisdiction where property of the Company or its
Subsidiaries is or may be located.
-82-
SECTION 11.12. SUCCESSORS.
All agreements of the Company and each Guarantor in this Indenture and the Notes (including
the Note Guarantee endorsements thereon) shall bind their successors. All agreements of the
Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.
SECTION 11.13. MULTIPLE ORIGINALS.
The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an
original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to
prove this Indenture.
SECTION 11.14. TABLE OF CONTENTS; HEADINGS.
The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this
Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a
part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
SECTION 11.15. SEVERABILITY.
In case any one or more of the provisions in this Indenture, in the Notes or in the Guarantees
shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in any respect for any reason, the validity,
legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining
provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, it being intended that all of the
provisions hereof shall be enforceable to the full extent permitted by law.
SECTION 11.16. NO ADVERSE INTERPRETATION OF OTHER AGREEMENTS.
This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan or debt agreement of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to
interpret this Indenture.
SECTION 11.17. FORCE MAJEURE.
In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the
performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly,
forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts
of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of
God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and
hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are
consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as
practicable under the circumstances.
-83-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed and
delivered all as of the day and year first above written.
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COMPANY:
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
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By: |
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx |
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Name: |
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx |
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Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
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GUARANTORS:
EG SYSTEMS, INC., DBA SCOTTS LAWNSERVICE
XXXXXXX & CO., INC.
HYPONEX CORPORATION
MIRACLE-GRO LAWN PRODUCTS, INC.
XXX XXXXXXXX COMPANY
XXXXXXX SCIENTIFIC, INC.
SCOTTS TEMECULA OPERATIONS, LLC
SCOTTS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
SCOTTS PRODUCTS CO.
SCOTTS PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS CO.
SCOTTS-SIERRA CROP PROTECTION COMPANY
SCOTTS-SIERRA HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS COMPANY
SCOTTS-SIERRA INVESTMENTS, INC.
SMG GROWING MEDIA, INC.
THE SCOTTS COMPANY LLC
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By: |
/s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx |
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Name: |
Xxxxx X. Xxxxx |
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Title: |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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S-1
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OMS INVESTMENTS, INC.
SWISS FARMS PRODUCTS, INC.
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By: |
/s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
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Name: |
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
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Title: |
President and CEO |
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TRUSTEE:
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
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By: |
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
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Name: |
Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
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Title: |
Vice President |
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EXHIBIT A
FORM OF [GLOBAL] NOTE
CUSIP No. [ ]
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST
COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), TO THE
SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR
REGISTRATION OR TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME
OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY
PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO
ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNED HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS
REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A NOTE REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THE NOTE IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE
REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN
THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.
[THE SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION
EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER XXXXXXX 0 XX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED
(THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE
TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH
PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER MAY BE RELYING ON THE
EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.
THE HOLDER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) SUCH
SECURITY MAY BE RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (1)(a) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A
PERSON WHO THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE
144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED
INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT, (b) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A NON-U.S. PERSON IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS
OF RULE 903 OR RULE 904 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (c) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF APPLICABLE) OR (d) IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND
BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY IF THE COMPANY SO REQUESTS), (2) TO THE
COMPANY OR (3) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE
JURISDICTION AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY
PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (A)
ABOVE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144
FOR RESALE OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY.]1
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1 |
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Insert for Restricted Global Note. |
A-1
[THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND
PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR DEFINITIVE NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE. THE
HOLDER OF THIS NOTE BY ACCEPTANCE HEREOF ALSO AGREES, REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IF IT IS A
PURCHASER IN A SALE THAT OCCURS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S OF THE
SECURITIES ACT, IT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, UNTIL EXPIRATION OF THE “40-DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE
PERIOD” WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 903 OF REGULATION S, ANY OFFER OR SALE OF THIS NOTE SHALL NOT BE
MADE BY IT TO A U.S. PERSON TO OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF A U.S. PERSON WITHIN THE MEANING OF
RULE 902(k) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]2
[THIS NOTE IS ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 1271 ET SEQ. OF THE
INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. A HOLDER MAY OBTAIN THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT,
ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY FOR SUCH NOTES BY SUBMITTING A REQUEST FOR SUCH INFORMATION TO
THE ISSUER AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: 00000 XXXXXXXXXX XXXX, XXXXXXXXXX, XXXX 00000, ATTENTION:
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.]3
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Insert for Temporary Regulation S Global
Note. |
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Insert for Notes issued with Original
Issue Discount. |
A-2
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
6.625% Senior Notes due 2020
The
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, an Ohio corporation, promises to pay to [ ], or registered assigns,
the principal sum of [ ] Dollars ($[ ]) on December 15, 2020.
Interest Payment Dates: June 15 and December 15, commencing June 15, 2011.
Record Dates: June 1 and December 1.
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
Dated:
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TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Global Notes referred to in the within mentioned Indenture.
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By: |
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Authorized Signatory |
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A-3
[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]
6.625% Senior Note Due December 15, 2020
1. INTEREST
THE
SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY, an Ohio corporation (the “
Company”), promises to pay interest
on the principal amount of this Note at the rate per annum shown above and shall pay Additional
Interest, if any, payable pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.
The Company shall pay interest (including Additional Interest, if any) semi-annually in
arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, or if such date is not a Business Day, on the next
succeeding Business Day, commencing on June 15, 2011. 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 December
16, 2010, with respect to this Note. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year
comprised of twelve 30-day months.
2. METHOD OF PAYMENT
The Company shall pay interest (except defaulted interest but including Additional Interest,
if any) on the Notes to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on
the June 1 or December 1 immediately preceding the interest payment date even if Notes are canceled
after the record date and on or before the interest payment date. Holders must surrender Notes to
a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Company shall pay principal and interest in
money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
private debts. However, all payments in respect of this Note (including principal, premium, if
any, interest and Additional Interest, if any) must be made by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to the accounts specified by the Holder hereof.
3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Initially, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “Trustee”) shall act as Paying Agent and
Registrar. The Company may appoint and change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to the
Holders. The Company or any domestically organized Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent or
Registrar.
4. INDENTURE
The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of December 16, 2010 (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 such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and
the TIA for a statement of those 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 obligations of the Company. Subject to the conditions set
forth in the Indenture, the Company may issue Additional Notes in an unlimited principal amount.
This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Indenture. The Notes include the Initial Notes,
the Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Additional Notes or Initial
Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement and the Indenture. The Initial Notes, the
Additional Notes and the Exchange Notes are treated as a single class of Notes under the Indenture.
5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
Except as set forth below, the Company shall not be entitled to redeem the Notes prior to
December 15, 2015.
A-4
At any time prior to December 15, 2015, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes
(which includes Additional Notes, if any), at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal
amount of Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if
any, to the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”), subject to the rights of Holders of Notes
on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
On or after December 15, 2015, the Company shall be entitled at its option to redeem all or a
portion of the Notes at the Redemption Prices set forth below (expressed in percentages of
principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the
applicable Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant date to
receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month
period beginning on December 15 on the years indicated below:
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Redemption |
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Year |
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Price |
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2015 |
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103.313 |
% |
2016 |
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102.208 |
% |
2017 |
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101.104 |
% |
2018 and thereafter |
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100.000 |
% |
In addition, at any time on or prior to December 15, 2013, the Company shall be entitled at
its option on one or more occasions to redeem Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued (which includes the Additional Notes, if
any) at a Redemption Price of 106.625% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the Redemption Date, with the Net Cash Proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings; provided,
however, that (1) at least 65% of such aggregate principal amount of Notes (which includes the
Additional Notes, if any) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such
redemption (other than Notes held by the Company or its Subsidiaries); and (2) each such redemption
occurs within 60 days after the date of the closing of the related Equity Offering
6. NOTICES OF REDEMPTION
Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 (unless a shorter notice
is acceptable to the Trustee) days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each
Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address all in accordance with the Indenture. If
less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time (other than pursuant to paragraph 5
above) the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the
Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption, by
the Trustee in the following manner: (1) if the Notes are listed, in compliance with the
requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed or; (2) if
the Notes are not listed, on a pro rata basis subject to adjustment for minimum denomination. On
and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of them called for
redemption.
7. REPURCHASE AT OPTION OF HOLDER
If a Change of Control occurs, each Holder shall have the right to require that the Company
purchase all or a portion of such Holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described in the Indenture
(the “Change of Control Offer”), at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof
plus accrued interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of holders of record
on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior
to the date fixed for redemption). Within 30 days following the date upon which the Change of
Control occurred, the Company must send, by first class mail, a notice to each Holder, which notice
shall govern the terms of the Change of Control Offer and shall be in compliance with the
Indenture. Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer shall
be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on
the reverse of the Note completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice.
A-5
8. DENOMINATIONS; TRANSFER; EXCHANGE
The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and whole
multiples of $1,000. A Holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture.
Upon any transfer or exchange, the Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other
things, to furnish appropriate transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees required by law or
permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar shall not 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
calendar days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption and ending at the close of
business on the day of selection, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so
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.
9. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS
The registered Holder of this Note may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
10. UNCLAIMED MONEY
If money for the payment of principal or interest remains unclaimed for two years, the Paying
Agent shall pay the money back to the Company at its request, or if then held by the Company or a
domestic Subsidiary, shall be discharged from such trust (unless an abandoned property law
designates another Person for payment thereof). After any such payment, Holders entitled to the
money must look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Paying Agent with
respect to such money, and all liability of the Company or such permitted Subsidiary as trustee
thereof, shall thereupon cease.
11. DISCHARGE AND DEFEASANCE
Subject to certain conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Company at any time may
terminate some or all of its obligations under the Indenture with respect to the Notes if, among
other things, the Company deposits with the Trustee funds for the payment of principal and interest
on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.
12. AMENDMENT, WAIVER
Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or
supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a tender
offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes), and any existing Default or Event of
Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if
any, or interest on the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has
been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of the Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may
be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding
Notes voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or
exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes). Without the consent of any Holder, the Indenture,
the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended to, among other things, cure any ambiguity,
defect or inconsistency; to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of
certificated Notes; to provide for the assumption of the Company’s obligations to Holders of
Notes in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s
assets; or to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders
of Notes or that does not adversely affect in any material respect the legal rights under the
Indenture of any such Holder.
13. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
If any Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or
the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the
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,” and the same shall become
immediately due and payable. Holders may not enforce the Indenture
A-6
or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture and the TIA. Subject to certain limitations,
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in
its exercise of any trust or power. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that
conflicts with law or that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other
Holders of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability. 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.
14. GUARANTEE
The full and punctual payment by the Company of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on the Notes is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior
unsecured basis by each of the Guarantors.
15. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH THE COMPANY
Subject to certain limitations imposed by the TIA, the Trustee under the Indenture, in its
individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal
with and collect obligations owed to it by the Company or its Affiliates and 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 with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.
16. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND STOCKHOLDERS
Any past, present, or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder, as
such, of the Company, any Guarantors or the Trustee shall not have any liability for any
obligations of the Company or any Guarantor 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. By accepting
a Note, each Holder waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for the issue of the Notes.
17. GOVERNING LAW
THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS NOTE
WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE
APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
18. AUTHENTICATION
This Note and the Subsidiary Guarantee endorsed hereon shall not be valid until an authorized
signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually signs the certificate of
authentication on the other side of this Note.
19. 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 rights of
survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gift to Minors
Act).
20. CUSIP NUMBERS
Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification
Procedures the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and has directed the
Trustee to use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No
representation is made as to the accuracy
A-7
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.
The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge to the Holder a
copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:
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The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company |
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00000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxx |
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Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000 |
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Attention:
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Xxxxx X. Xxxxx, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and |
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Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
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Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000 |
A-8
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
I or we assign and transfer this Note to
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. No.)
and irrevocably appoint ___________________ agent to transfer this Note on the books of the
Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: ________________ Your Signature: _____________________
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Signature Guarantee: |
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(Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a
recognized signature guarantee medallion program) |
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Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note. |
Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of
the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer
Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined
by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
A-9
SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTE
The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
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Principal amount of |
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this Global Note fol– |
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Signature of authorized |
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Principal Amount of |
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Principal Amount of |
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lowing such decrease |
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signatory of Trustee or |
Date of Exchange |
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this Global Note |
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this Global Note |
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or increase |
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Notes Custodian |
A-10
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to either
Section 4.10 or Section 4.13 of the Indenture, as applicable, check the corresponding box:
Section 4.10 o Section 4.13 o
If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to
Section 4.10 or Section 4.13 of the Indenture, as applicable, state the amount in principal
amount: $______________
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Dated:
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Your Signature: |
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(Sign exactly as your name appears
on the other side of this Note.) |
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Signature Guarantee: |
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(Signature must be guaranteed) |
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Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements
of the Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer
Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined
by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
A-11
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
00 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000
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Re: |
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THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY (the “Company”) |
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6.625% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “Notes”). |
Reference is hereby made to that certain Indenture dated December 16, 2010 (the “Indenture”),
among THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY, as Company (the “Company”), the Guarantors (as defined
therein) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as trustee (the “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 interests in
such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $___________ (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. o Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global
Note or a Definitive Note Pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in
accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
“Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial
interest in a Global Note or a Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor
reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest in a Global Note or such
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 on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Rule 144A
Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and with the Securities Act.
2. o Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global
Note or a 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 (as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S) 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 Distribution Compliance Period (as provided in Rule 904 of Regulation S), the
transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other
than an Initial Purchaser) and the interest transferred will be held immediately thereafter through
Euroclear or Clearstream. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest in a Global Note or Definitive Note will be
subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the
Regulation S Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and with the Securities
Act.
B-1
3. o Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a IAI
Global Note or 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) o such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a subsidiary thereof; or
(b) o 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 (1) a certificate
executed by the Transferee in the form of Exhibit D to the Indenture (attached hereto) and
(2) if such transfer is in respect of an aggregate principal amount of less than $100,000,
an Opinion of Counsel acceptable to the Company 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 IAI Global Note or the Restricted Definitive
Notes and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
4. o Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global
Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.
(a) o 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 in a Global
Note 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) o 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) o 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 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 in a Global Note 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.
B-2
(d) o Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Registration Statement. 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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[Insert Name of Transferor]
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Dated: |
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B-3
ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:
[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]
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(a)
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a beneficial interest in the: |
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(i)
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o Rule 144A Global Note (CUSIP ), or |
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(ii)
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o Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ______), or |
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(b)
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a Restricted Definitive Note. |
2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:
[CHECK ONE]
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(a)
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a beneficial interest in the: |
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(i)
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o Rule 144A Global Note (CUSIP ______), or |
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(ii)
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o Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ______), or |
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(iii)
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o Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP ______); or |
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(b)
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a Restricted Definitive Note; or |
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(c)
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an Unrestricted Definitive Note, |
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.
B-4
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
00 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000
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Re: |
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THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY (the “Company”)
6.625% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “Notes”). |
Reference is hereby made to that certain Indenture dated December 16, 2010 (the “Indenture”)
among THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY, as Company (the “Company”), the Initial Guarantors (as
defined therein) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as trustee (the “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 Notes or beneficial interests in
the Notes specified herein, in the principal amount of $____________ (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) o 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 United States 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 (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) o 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, (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with
any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (v) the conditions
for issuance of Definitive Securities under the Indenture have been satisfied.
(c) o 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 relevant State of the United
States.
C-1
(d) o 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 relevant 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) o 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 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. The conditions for issuance of Definitive Securities
under the Indenture have been satisfied.
(b) o 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] Rule 144A Global Note (only if the Owner is a QIB)
or Regulation S Global Note (only if the Owner is Non-U.S. Person) 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 relevant
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.
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[Insert Name of Owner]
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Dated: |
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C-2
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM ACQUIRING
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
00 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This certificate is delivered to request a transfer of $
principal amount of the 6.625%
Senior Notes due 2020 (the “Notes”) of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (the “Company”).
Upon transfer, the Notes would be registered in the name of the new beneficial owner as
follows:
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Name: |
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Address: |
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Taxpayer ID Number: |
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The undersigned represents and warrants to you that:
1. We are an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or
(7) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), an “Institutional
Accredited Investor”), and we are acquiring the Notes not with a view to, or for offer or sale in
connection with, any distribution in violation of the Securities Act. We have such knowledge and
experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risk of
our investment in the Notes and invest in or purchase securities similar to the Notes in the normal
course of our business. We and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the
economic risk of our or its investment.
2. We understand that the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and, unless
so registered, may not be sold except as permitted in the following sentence. We agree, on our own
behalf and on behalf of any accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we
should sell the Notes or any interest therein, we will do so only (A)(i) in the United States, to a
person who the seller reasonably believes is a Qualified Institutional Buyer (as defined in Rule
144A under the Securities Act) purchasing for its own account or for the account of a Qualified
Institutional Buyer meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, (ii) outside the United States, in a
transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) in
a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, (iv) to an
institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of the
Securities Act) that, prior to such transfer, furnishes the Trustee a signed letter containing
certain representations and agreements (the form of which can be obtained from the Trustee) and, if
such transfer is in respect of an aggregate principal amount of less than $100,000, an Opinion of
Counsel acceptable to the Company that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act, or
(v) in accordance with another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act,
provided that the Company shall have the right prior to any such offer, resale, assignment, pledge
or transfer pursuant to clause (v) above to require the delivery of an Opinion (in form and
substance satisfactory to the Company) of Counsel satisfactory to the Company, certification and/or
other information satisfactory to the Company, (B) to the Company, or (C) pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act and, in each case, in accordance with any
applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other applicable jurisdiction,
and we further agree that we will, and each subsequent Holder is required to notify any purchaser
from it of the security evidenced hereby of the resale restrictions set forth in (A) above.
D-1
3. We understand that, on any proposed resale of the Notes or beneficial interest therein, we
will be required to furnish to you and the Company such certifications, legal opinions and other
information as you and the Company may reasonably require to confirm that the proposed sale
complies with the foregoing restrictions. We further understand that the Notes purchased by us
will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.
4. We are acquiring the Notes or beneficial interest therein purchased by us for our own
account or for one or more accounts (each of which is an institutional “accredited investor”) as to
each of which we exercise sole investment discretion.
You and the Company are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to
produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal
proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.
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[Insert Name of Owner]
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Dated: , |
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D-2
EXHIBIT E
[FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE]
GUARANTEE
For value received, each Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the
Indenture), jointly and severally, unconditionally guarantees, to the extent set forth in and
subject to the provisions in the Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2010 (the “Indenture”), among
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, as issuer (the “Company”), the Guarantors from time to time party
thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), (a) the full and punctual
payment of the principal of and interest on the Notes when due, whether at maturity, by
acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and all other monetary obligations of the Company under the
Indenture and the Notes and (b) the full and punctual performance within applicable grace periods
of all other obligations of the Company under the Indenture and the Notes (all the foregoing being
hereinafter collectively called the “Guaranteed Obligations”). Each Guarantor further agrees that
the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or
further assent from such Guarantor and that such Guarantor will remain bound hereunder
notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.
The obligations of the Guarantors to the Holders of Notes and to the Trustee pursuant to the
Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article 10 of the Indenture and reference is
hereby made such provisions for the precise terms of the Guarantee. Each Holder, by accepting the
same agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions. This Guarantee is subject to release as and
to the extent set forth in Sections 8.01, 8.04 and 10.04 of the Indenture. Capitalized terms used
herein and not defined are used herein as so defined in the Indenture.
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[GUARANTOR]
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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E-1