INDENTURE Dated as of October 2, 2023 Between GN BONDCO, LLC as the Escrow Issuer the Guarantors party hereto from time to time and U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent $725,000,000 9.500% SENIOR SECURED...
Exhibit 4.1
Execution Version
INDENTURE
Dated as of October 2, 2023
Between
GN BONDCO, LLC
as the Escrow Issuer
the Guarantors party hereto from time to time
and
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
as Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent
$725,000,000 9.500% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2031
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I |
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DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE |
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SECTION 1.01 |
Definitions. | 1 | ||||
SECTION 1.02 |
Other Definitions. | 50 | ||||
SECTION 1.03 |
Rules of Construction. | 52 | ||||
SECTION 1.04 |
Limited Condition Acquisitions | 52 | ||||
SECTION 1.05 |
Certain Calculations | 54 | ||||
ARTICLE II |
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THE NOTES |
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SECTION 2.01 |
Amount of Notes. | 54 | ||||
SECTION 2.02 |
Form and Dating. | 55 | ||||
SECTION 2.03 |
Execution and Authentication. | 55 | ||||
SECTION 2.04 |
Registrar and Paying Agent. | 56 | ||||
SECTION 2.05 |
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. | 57 | ||||
SECTION 2.06 |
Holder Lists. | 57 | ||||
SECTION 2.07 |
Transfer and Exchange. | 57 | ||||
SECTION 2.08 |
Replacement Notes. | 58 | ||||
SECTION 2.09 |
Outstanding Notes. | 59 | ||||
SECTION 2.10 |
Cancellation. | 59 | ||||
SECTION 2.11 |
Defaulted Interest. | 59 | ||||
SECTION 2.12 |
CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, Etc. | 59 | ||||
SECTION 2.13 |
Calculation of Principal Amount of Notes. | 60 | ||||
ARTICLE III |
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REDEMPTION |
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SECTION 3.01 |
Optional Redemption. | 60 | ||||
SECTION 3.02 |
Applicability of Article. | 60 | ||||
SECTION 3.03 |
Notices to Trustee. | 60 | ||||
SECTION 3.04 |
Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed. | 61 | ||||
SECTION 3.05 |
Notice of Optional Redemption. | 61 | ||||
SECTION 3.06 |
Effect of Notice of Redemption. | 62 | ||||
SECTION 3.07 |
Deposit of Redemption Price. | 62 | ||||
SECTION 3.08 |
Notes Redeemed in Part. | 63 | ||||
SECTION 3.09 |
Special Mandatory Redemption. | 63 |
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ARTICLE IV |
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COVENANTS |
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SECTION 4.01 |
Payment of Notes. | 64 | ||||
SECTION 4.02 |
Reports and Other Information. | 64 | ||||
SECTION 4.03 |
Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock. | 66 | ||||
SECTION 4.04 |
Limitation on Restricted Payments. | 74 | ||||
SECTION 4.05 |
Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries. | 80 | ||||
SECTION 4.06 |
Asset Sales. | 82 | ||||
SECTION 4.07 |
Transactions with Affiliates. | 85 | ||||
SECTION 4.08 |
Change of Control. | 88 | ||||
SECTION 4.09 |
Compliance Certificate. | 89 | ||||
SECTION 4.10 |
[Reserved]. | 90 | ||||
SECTION 4.11 |
Future Guarantors. | 90 | ||||
SECTION 4.12 |
Liens. | 90 | ||||
SECTION 4.13 |
After-Acquired Collateral. | 91 | ||||
SECTION 4.14 |
Maintenance of Office or Agency. | 92 | ||||
SECTION 4.15 |
Existence. | 92 | ||||
SECTION 4.16 |
Fall-Away Event and Reversion Date. | 92 | ||||
SECTION 4.17 |
Activities Prior to Escrow Release. | 94 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
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SUCCESSOR COMPANY |
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SECTION 5.01 |
Merger, Amalgamation, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets. | 94 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
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DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES |
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SECTION 6.01 |
Events of Default. | 96 | ||||
SECTION 6.02 |
Acceleration. | 100 | ||||
SECTION 6.03 |
Other Remedies. | 100 | ||||
SECTION 6.04 |
Waiver of Past Defaults. | 101 | ||||
SECTION 6.05 |
Control by Majority. | 101 | ||||
SECTION 6.06 |
Limitation on Suits. | 101 | ||||
SECTION 6.07 |
Rights of the Holders to Receive Payment. | 102 | ||||
SECTION 6.08 |
Collection Suit by Trustee. | 102 | ||||
SECTION 6.09 |
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. | 102 | ||||
SECTION 6.10 |
Priorities. | 102 | ||||
SECTION 6.11 |
Undertaking for Costs. | 103 |
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SECTION 6.12 |
Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. | 103 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
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TRUSTEE |
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SECTION 7.01 |
Duties of Trustee. | 103 | ||||
SECTION 7.02 |
Rights of Trustee. | 105 | ||||
SECTION 7.03 |
Individual Rights of Trustee. | 106 | ||||
SECTION 7.04 |
Trustee’s Disclaimer. | 106 | ||||
SECTION 7.05 |
Notice of Defaults. | 107 | ||||
SECTION 7.06 |
[Reserved]. | 107 | ||||
SECTION 7.07 |
Compensation and Indemnity. | 107 | ||||
SECTION 7.08 |
Replacement of Trustee. | 108 | ||||
SECTION 7.09 |
Successor Trustee by Xxxxxx. | 109 | ||||
SECTION 7.10 |
Eligibility; Disqualification. | 109 | ||||
SECTION 7.11 |
Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer. | 110 | ||||
SECTION 7.12 |
Tax Matters Regarding Trustee. | 110 | ||||
SECTION 7.13 |
Escrow Agreement. | 110 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
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DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE |
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SECTION 8.01 |
Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance. | 110 | ||||
SECTION 8.02 |
Conditions to Defeasance. | 112 | ||||
SECTION 8.03 |
Application of Trust Money. | 113 | ||||
SECTION 8.04 |
Repayment to Issuer. | 113 | ||||
SECTION 8.05 |
Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations. | 113 | ||||
SECTION 8.06 |
Reinstatement. | 114 | ||||
ARTICLE IX |
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AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS |
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SECTION 9.01 |
Without Consent of any Holders. | 114 | ||||
SECTION 9.02 |
With Consent of the Holders. | 115 | ||||
SECTION 9.03 |
Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers. | 116 | ||||
SECTION 9.04 |
Notation on or Exchange of Notes. | 117 | ||||
SECTION 9.05 |
Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent to Sign Amendments. | 117 | ||||
SECTION 9.06 |
Additional Voting Terms; Calculation of Principal Amount. | 117 | ||||
SECTION 9.07 |
Compliance with the Trust Indenture Act. | 118 |
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ARTICLE X |
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COLLATERAL |
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SECTION 10.01 |
Security Documents. | 118 | ||||
SECTION 10.02 |
Release of Collateral. | 120 | ||||
SECTION 10.03 |
Suits to Protect the Collateral. | 121 | ||||
SECTION 10.04 |
Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents. | 122 | ||||
SECTION 10.05 |
Purchaser Protected. | 122 | ||||
SECTION 10.06 |
Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee. | 122 | ||||
SECTION 10.07 |
Notes Collateral Agent. | 122 | ||||
SECTION 10.08 |
Perfection and Collateral Exceptions. | 129 | ||||
SECTION 10.09 |
Intercreditor Agreements. | 130 | ||||
ARTICLE XI |
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ESCROW MATTERS |
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SECTION 11.01 |
Escrow Account. | 130 | ||||
SECTION 11.02 |
Release of Escrowed Property. | 130 | ||||
SECTION 11.03 |
Trustee Direction to Execute Escrow Agreement. | 131 | ||||
ARTICLE XII |
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GUARANTEE |
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SECTION 12.01 |
Guarantee. | 131 | ||||
SECTION 12.02 |
Limitation on Liability; Release of Guarantors. | 133 | ||||
SECTION 12.03 |
Non-Impairment. | 134 | ||||
SECTION 12.04 |
Successors and Assigns. | 134 | ||||
SECTION 12.05 |
No Waiver. | 135 | ||||
SECTION 12.06 |
Modification. | 135 | ||||
SECTION 12.07 |
Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Guarantors. | 135 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII |
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MISCELLANEOUS |
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SECTION 13.01 |
[Intentionally Omitted]. | 135 | ||||
SECTION 13.02 |
Notices. | 135 | ||||
SECTION 13.03 |
Communication by the Holders with Other Holders. | 137 | ||||
SECTION 13.04 |
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. | 137 | ||||
SECTION 13.05 |
Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. | 137 | ||||
SECTION 13.06 |
When Notes Disregarded. | 138 |
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SECTION 13.07 |
Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. | 138 | ||||
SECTION 13.08 |
Legal Holidays. | 138 | ||||
SECTION 13.09 |
GOVERNING LAW. | 138 | ||||
SECTION 13.10 |
No Recourse Against Others. | 138 | ||||
SECTION 13.11 |
Successors. | 138 | ||||
SECTION 13.12 |
Multiple Originals. | 139 | ||||
SECTION 13.13 |
Table of Contents; Headings. | 139 | ||||
SECTION 13.14 |
Indenture Controls. | 139 | ||||
SECTION 13.15 |
Severability. | 139 | ||||
SECTION 13.16 |
Waiver of Jury Trial. | 139 | ||||
SECTION 13.17 |
[Intentionally Omitted]. | 140 | ||||
SECTION 13.18 |
[Intentionally Omitted]. | 140 | ||||
SECTION 13.19 |
USA PATRIOT Act. | 140 | ||||
SECTION 13.20 |
Submission to Jurisdiction. | 140 | ||||
SECTION 13.21 |
FATCA. | 140 |
Appendix A |
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Provisions Relating to the Notes | ||
EXHIBIT INDEX | ||||
Exhibit A |
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Form of 9.500% Senior Secured Note due 2031 | ||
Exhibit B |
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Form of Transferee Letter of Representation | ||
Exhibit C |
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Form of Supplemental Indenture | ||
Exhibit D |
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Form of Completion Date Supplemental Indenture | ||
Exhibit E |
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Position Representation and Verification Form |
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INDENTURE, dated as of October 2, 2023, among GN Bondco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Escrow Issuer”), the Guarantors party hereto from time to time and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Escrow Issuer has duly authorized the creation of an issue of $725,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (the “Initial Notes”); and
WHEREAS, upon the consummation of the Escrow Merger, (i) the Escrow Issuer will merge with and into the Ultimate Issuer, with the Ultimate Issuer continuing as the surviving entity and assuming the obligations of the Escrow Issuer under the Notes and this Indenture, and (ii) Forward and the Subsidiary Guarantors will guarantee the Issuer’s Obligations under this Indenture and the Notes, in each case, pursuant to a supplemental indenture to this Indenture substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D hereto.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Notes by the holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all holders, as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
SECTION 1.01 Definitions.
“Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement” means a senior priority/junior priority intercreditor agreement with (together with other relevant Persons) any collateral agent and/or other authorized representative of any Indebtedness which is by its terms secured by Junior Priority Liens and so long as such Indebtedness is not prohibited to be Incurred and so secured by the terms of this Indenture, which intercreditor agreement shall provide for the subordination of such Junior Priority Liens to the Liens securing the Notes and other intercreditor provisions with respect such Indebtedness secured by Junior Priority Liens that are reasonably customary in the good faith (as certified by a responsible officer of the Issuer in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent) determination of the Issuer (for intercreditor agreements providing for junior priority liens).
“Accounting Change” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “GAAP.”
“Acquired Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, and
(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.
Acquired Indebtedness will be deemed to have been Incurred, with respect to clause (1) of the preceding sentence, on the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and, with respect to clause (2) of the preceding sentence, on the date of consummation of such acquisition of such assets.
“Additional Notes” means the Notes issued under the terms of this Indenture subsequent to the Issue Date (except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, Notes issued on the Issue Date pursuant to Section 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 3.08, 4.06(e), 4.08(c) or Appendix A).
“Additional Refinancing Amount” means, in connection with the Incurrence of any Refinancing Indebtedness, the aggregate principal amount of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred to pay accrued and unpaid interest, premiums (including tender premiums), expenses, defeasance costs and fees in respect thereof.
“Additional Secured Parties” means the holders of any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations (as such term shall be defined in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement) and any collateral agent named as authorized representative for such series in the joinder agreement to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, means 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.
“Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note, on any applicable redemption date, as determined by the Issuer, the greater of:
(1) 1% of the then outstanding principal amount of the Note; and
(2) the excess of:
(a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of the Note, at October 15, 2026 (such redemption price being set forth in Paragraph 5 of the reverse side of the Note), plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the Note through October 15, 2026 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), discounted to the redemption date and computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date, plus 50 basis points; over
(b) the then outstanding principal amount of the Note.
“Asset Sale” means:
(1) the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of property or assets (including by way of Sale/Leaseback Transactions) outside the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (each referred to in this definition as a “disposition”); or
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(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests (other than directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals or other third parties to the extent required by applicable law) of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions),
in each case other than:
(a) a disposition of Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or property that is no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, or obsolete, damaged, surplus, uneconomic, negligible or worn out property or equipment in the ordinary course of business (including the abandonment of any intellectual property or surrender or transfer for no consideration) or otherwise as may be required pursuant to the terms of any lease, sublease, license or sublicense;
(b) any disposition permitted pursuant to Section 5.01 or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control;
(c) any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under Section 4.04;
(d) any disposition of assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, which assets or Equity Interests so disposed or issued in any single transaction or series of related transactions have an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of less than $50 million per transaction or series of related transactions;
(e) any disposition of property or assets, or the sale or issuance of securities, by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary;
(f) any disposition of an Investment in, or the Capital Stock of, any joint venture to the extent required by the terms of customary buy-sell type arrangements entered into in connection with the formation of such joint venture;
(g) any exchange of assets (including a combination of assets and Cash Equivalents) for assets related to a Similar Business of comparable or greater market value or usefulness to the business of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the Issuer;
(h) foreclosure or any similar action with respect to any property or other asset of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(i) any disposition of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;
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(j) the lease, assignment or sublease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;
(k) any sale of inventory or other assets in the ordinary course of business;
(l) any grant in the ordinary course of business of any license or sublicense of patents, trademarks, know-how or any other intellectual property;
(m) any swap of assets, or lease, assignment or sublease of any real or personal property, in exchange for services (including in connection with any outsourcing arrangements) of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the Issuer;
(n) a transfer of assets of the type specified in the definition of “Securitization Financing” (or a fractional undivided interest therein), including by a Securitization Subsidiary in a Qualified Securitization Financing;
(o) any financing transaction with respect to property built or acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Completion Date, including any Sale/Leaseback Transaction or asset securitization permitted by this Indenture;
(p) dispositions in connection with Permitted Liens;
(q) any disposition of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement or other obligation with or to a Person (other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) from whom such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired or from whom such Restricted Subsidiary acquired its business and assets (having been newly formed in connection with such acquisition), made as part of such acquisition and in each case comprising all or a portion of the consideration in respect of such sale or acquisition;
(r) dispositions of receivables in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings and exclusive of factoring or similar arrangements;
(s) any surrender, expiration or waiver of contract rights or the settlement, release, recovery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind;
(t) any of the Transactions;
(u) any transfer of accounts receivable and related assets in connection with any factoring or similar arrangements entered into by Foreign Subsidiaries on arm’s length terms;
(v) dispositions of real property (i) for the purpose of (A) resolving minor title disputes or defects, including encroachments and lot line adjustments, or (B) granting easements, rights of way or access and egress agreements, or (ii) to any governmental authority in consideration of the grant, issuance, consent or approval of or
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to any development agreement, change of zoning or zoning variance, permit or authorization in connection with the conduct of any business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, in each case which does not materially interfere with the business conducted on such real property; and
(w) transfers of property to the extent subject to a Casualty Event.
“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as now or hereinafter in effect.
“Bankruptcy Law” means the Bankruptcy Code and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization or similar debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
“Board of Directors” means, as to any Person, the board of directors or managers, as applicable, of such Person or any direct or indirect parent of such Person (or, if such Person is a partnership, the board of directors or other governing body of the general partner of such Person) or any duly authorized committee thereof.
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law to close in New York City or the place of payment.
“Capital Markets Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness consisting of bonds, debentures, notes or other similar debt securities issued in (a) a public offering registered under the Securities Act, (b) a private placement to institutional investors that is resold in accordance with Rule 144A or Regulation S of the Securities Act, whether or not it includes registration rights entitling the holders of such debt securities to registration thereof with the SEC or (c) a placement to institutional investors. The term “Capital Markets Indebtedness” shall not include any Indebtedness under commercial bank facilities or similar Indebtedness, Capitalized Lease Obligation or recourse transfer of any financial asset or any other type of Indebtedness Incurred in a manner not customarily viewed as a “securities offering.”
“Capital Stock” means:
(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock or shares;
(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
(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.
“Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP
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as in effect on December 31, 2018; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, obligations of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries, or of a special purpose or other entity not consolidated with the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, that (a) initially were not included on the consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer as capital lease obligations and were subsequently characterized as capital lease obligations or, in the case of such a special purpose or other entity becoming consolidated with the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries were required to be characterized as capital lease obligations upon such consolidation, in either case, due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise, or (b) were required to be characterized as capital lease obligations but would not have been required to be treated as capital lease obligations on December 31, 2018 had they existed at that time, shall for all purposes not be treated as Capitalized Lease Obligations or Indebtedness.
“Cash Equivalents” means:
(1) U.S. dollars, pounds sterling, euros, Canadian dollars, Singapore dollars, the national currency of any member state in the European Union or such other local currencies held by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary from time to time in the ordinary course of business;
(2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government, Canada, Switzerland or any country that is a member of the European Union or any agency or instrumentality thereof in each case maturing not more than two years from the date of acquisition;
(3) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances, in each case with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $250 million and whose long-term debt is rated at least “A” or the equivalent thereof by Xxxxx’x or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency);
(4) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;
(5) commercial paper issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Issuer) rated at least “A-1” or the equivalent thereof by Xxxxx’x or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) and in each case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition;
(6) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision thereof or any Canadian province having at least a rating of Aa3 from Xxxxx’x or a rating of AA- from S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;
(7) Indebtedness issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Xxxxx’x (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;
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(8) investment funds investing at least 95% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (7) above; and
(9) instruments equivalent to those referred to in clauses (1) through (8) above denominated in any foreign currency comparable in credit quality and tenor to those referred to above and commonly used by corporations for cash management purposes in any jurisdiction outside the United States of America to the extent reasonably required in connection with any business conducted by any Subsidiary organized in such jurisdiction.
“cash management services” means cash management services for collections, treasury management services (including controlled disbursement, overdraft, netting services, automated clearing house fund transfer services, return items and interstate depository network services), any demand deposit, payroll, trust or operating account relationships, cash posting arrangements, commercial credit cards, merchant card, purchase or debit cards, non-card e-payables services, and other cash management services, including electronic funds transfer services, lockbox services, stop payment services and wire transfer services.
“Casualty Event” means any event that gives rise to the receipt by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or real property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or real property..
“CFC” means a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) the sale, lease or transfer (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all the assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision) other than to the Issuer or its Subsidiaries; or
(2) the Issuer becomes aware (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) of the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than any Parent, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, by way of merger, consolidation, amalgamation or other business combination or purchase of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer; provided, however, that (x) so long as the Issuer is a Subsidiary of any Parent, no Person or group shall be deemed to be or become a “beneficial owner”, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer unless such Person or group shall be or become a “beneficial owner” of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of such Parent (other than a Parent that is a Subsidiary of another Parent) and (y) a Person or group shall not be deemed the beneficial owner of, or to own beneficially, (A) any securities tendered
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pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by or on behalf of such Person or group or any of such Person’s or group’s Affiliates until such tendered securities are accepted for purchase or exchange thereunder, or (B) any securities if such beneficial ownership (i) arises solely as a result of a revocable proxy delivered in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, and (ii) is not also then reportable on Schedule 13D (or any successor schedule) under the Exchange Act.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be considered to be a Change of Control if (A) the Issuer becomes a direct or indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiary of another Person and (B) either (i) the shares of the Issuer’s Voting Stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the Voting Stock of such Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction or (ii) immediately following such transaction, no Person (other than a Person or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of a Person satisfying the requirements of this sentence) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such Person.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Transactions will constitute a Change of Control.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Collateral” means all assets and interests in assets and proceeds thereof now owned or hereafter acquired by the Issuer or any Guarantor in or upon which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted by such Person in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent under any of the Collateral Documents.
“Completion Date” means the Escrow Release Date.
“Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of intangible assets and deferred financing fees and amortization of unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses related to pensions and other post-employment benefits, of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, as of any date of determination, the EBITDA of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available, on a consolidated basis, calculated on a pro forma basis consistent with the calculations made under the definitions of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio,” “Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio,” “Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio” and “Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio.”
“Consolidated First Lien Indebtedness” means Consolidated Total Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the Collateral that is not subordinated in lien priority to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes Obligations.
“Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Calculation Date” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio.”
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“Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person, at any date, the ratio of (i) Consolidated First Lien Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of calculation (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) less the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents that do not constitute Restricted Cash held by such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such determination for which internal financial statements of such Person are available to (ii) EBITDA of such Person for the four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements of such Person are available immediately preceding such date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred.
(1) In the event that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness or issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio is made (the “Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Calculation Date”), then the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period; provided that the Issuer may elect pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred at such time, in which case any subsequent Incurrence of Indebtedness (or Liens secured by such Indebtedness) under such commitment shall not be deemed, for purposes of this calculation, to be an Incurrence at such subsequent time.
(2) To the extent (i) the Issuer elects pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred or (ii) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary elects to treat Indebtedness as having been Incurred prior to the actual Incurrence thereof pursuant to Section 4.03(c)(3), the Issuer shall deem all or such portion of such commitment or such Indebtedness, as applicable, as having been Incurred and to be outstanding for purposes of calculating the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio for any period in which the Issuer makes any such election and for any subsequent period until such commitments or such Indebtedness, as applicable, are no longer outstanding or such notice is withdrawn.
(3) For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP and including, for each applicable period and for the avoidance of doubt, any of the foregoing occurring in connection with the Transactions), in each case with respect to any company, any business or any group of assets constituting an operating unit of a business, that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary has made during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Calculation Date (each, for purposes of this definition, a “pro forma event”) shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations or discontinued operations (and the change of any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period; provided that,
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notwithstanding any classification of any Person, business, assets or operations as discontinued operations because a definitive agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition in respect thereof has been entered into, the Issuer shall not make such computations on a pro forma basis for any such classification for any period until such sale, transfer or other disposition has been consummated. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period shall have consummated any pro forma event that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such pro forma event had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. If since the beginning of such period any Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, then the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.
(4) For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any pro forma event, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer . Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Issuer as set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, to reflect operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from the applicable event within 18 months of the date the applicable event is consummated.
(5) If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term in excess of 12 months). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a Eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Issuer may designate.
(6) For purposes of this definition, any amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate for such currency for the most recent twelve month period immediately prior to the date of determination in a manner consistent with that used in calculating EBITDA for the applicable period.
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“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:
(1) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income (including the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations and net payments and receipts (if any) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations, amortization of deferred financing fees and original issue discount, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, expensing of any bridge, commitment or other financing fees and non-cash interest expense attributable to movement in mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivatives (in each case permitted hereunder) under GAAP); plus
(2) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; plus
(3) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges Incurred in connection with any Securitization Financing which are payable to Persons other than the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries; minus
(4) interest income for such period.
For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by the Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis; provided, however, that:
(1) any net after-tax extraordinary, nonrecurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses or charges shall be excluded;
(2) any severance expenses, relocation expenses, restructuring expenses, curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans, excess pension charges, any expenses related to any reconstruction, decommissioning, recommissioning or reconfiguration of fixed assets for alternate uses and fees, expenses or charges relating to facilities closing costs, acquisition integration costs, facilities opening costs, project start-up costs, business optimization costs, signing, retention or completion bonuses, expenses, commissions or charges related to any issuance, redemption, repurchase, retirement or acquisition of Equity Interests, Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or issuance, repayment, refinancing, amendment or modification of Indebtedness (in each case, whether or not successful), and any fees, expenses or charges related to the Transactions;
(3) effects of purchase accounting adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to such Person and such Subsidiaries and including, without limitation, the effects of adjustments to (A) Capitalized Lease Obligations or (B) any other deferrals of income) in amounts required or permitted by GAAP, resulting from the application of purchase accounting or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded;
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(4) the Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period;
(5) any net after-tax income or loss from disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations or fixed assets and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations or fixed assets shall be excluded; provided, that notwithstanding any classification of any Person, business, assets or operations as discontinued operations because a definitive agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition in respect thereof has been entered into, the Issuer shall not exclude any such net after-tax income or loss or any such net after-tax gains or losses attributable thereto until such sale, transfer or other disposition has been consummated;
(6) any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to business dispositions or asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by management of the Issuer) shall be excluded;
(7) any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment of Indebtedness, Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments shall be excluded;
(8) (a) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of such Person, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period and (b) the Net Income for such period shall include any dividend, distribution or other payment in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) received by the referent Person or a Subsidiary thereof (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of such referent Person) from any Person in excess of, but without duplication of, the amounts included in subclause (a);
(9) solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (1) of the definition of “Cumulative Credit,” the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions have been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of such Person shall be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or converted into cash) by any such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person, to the extent not already included therein;
(10) an amount equal to the amount of Tax Distributions actually made to any parent or equity holder of such Person in respect of such period in accordance with Section 4.04(b)(xi) shall be included as though such amounts had been paid as income taxes directly by such Person for such period;
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(11) any impairment charges or asset write-offs, in each case pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles and other fair value adjustments arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded;
(12) any non-cash expense realized or resulting from management equity plans, stock option plans, employee benefit plans or post-employment benefit plans, or grants or sales of stock, stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock, preferred stock or other rights shall be excluded;
(13) any (a) non-cash compensation charges, (b) costs and expenses related to employment of terminated employees, or (c) costs or expenses realized in connection with or resulting from stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options or other rights of officers, directors and employees, in each case of such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary, shall be excluded;
(14) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Completion Date and that are so required to be established or adjusted in accordance with GAAP or as a result of adoption or modification of accounting policies shall be excluded;
(15) non-cash gains, losses, income and expenses resulting from fair value accounting required by the applicable standard under GAAP and related interpretations shall be excluded;
(16) any currency translation gains and losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness, and any net loss or gain resulting from hedging transactions for currency exchange risk, shall be excluded;
(17) (a) to the extent covered by insurance and actually reimbursed, or, so long as such Person has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer and only to the extent that such amount is (i) not denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days and (ii) in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such evidence (with a deduction for any amount so added back to the extent not so reimbursed within 365 days), expenses with respect to liability or casualty events or business interruption shall be excluded and (b) amounts in respect of which such Person has determined that there exists reasonable evidence that such amounts will in fact be reimbursed by insurance in respect of lost revenues or earnings in respect of liability or casualty events or business interruption shall be included (with a deduction for amounts actually received up to such estimated amount, to the extent included in Net Income in a future period); and
(18) non-cash charges for deferred tax asset valuation allowances shall be excluded.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 4.04 only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets from Unrestricted Subsidiaries or Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent such dividends, repayments or transfers increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under Section 4.04 pursuant to clauses (4) and (5) of the definition of “Cumulative Credit.”
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“Consolidated Non-Cash Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the non-cash expenses (other than Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries reducing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP, provided that if any such non-cash expenses represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA in such future period to the extent paid, but excluding from this proviso, for the avoidance of doubt, amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period.
“Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Calculation Date” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio.”
“Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person, at any date, the ratio of (i) Secured Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of calculation (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) less the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents that do not constitute Restricted Cash held by such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such determination for which internal financial statements of such Person are available to (ii) EBITDA of such Person for the four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements of such Person are available immediately preceding such date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred.
(1) In the event that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness or issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio is made (the “Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Calculation Date”), then the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period; provided that the Issuer may elect pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred at such time, in which case any subsequent Incurrence of Indebtedness (or Liens secured by such Indebtedness) under such commitment shall not be deemed, for purposes of this calculation, to be an Incurrence at such subsequent time.
(2) To the extent (i) the Issuer elects pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred or (ii) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary elects to treat Indebtedness as having been Incurred prior to the actual Incurrence thereof pursuant to Section 4.03(c)(3), the Issuer shall deem all or such portion of such commitment or such Indebtedness, as applicable, as having been Incurred and to be outstanding for purposes of calculating the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio for any period in which the Issuer makes any such election and for any subsequent period until such commitments or such Indebtedness, as applicable, are no longer outstanding or such notice is withdrawn.
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(3) For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP and including, for each applicable period and for the avoidance of doubt, any of the foregoing occurring in connection with the Transactions), in each case with respect to any company, any business or any group of assets constituting an operating unit of a business, that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary has made during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Calculation Date (each, for purposes of this definition, a “pro forma event”) shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations or discontinued operations (and the change of any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period; provided that, notwithstanding any classification of any Person, business, assets or operations as discontinued operations because a definitive agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition in respect thereof has been entered into, the Issuer shall not make such computations on a pro forma basis for any such classification for any period until such sale, transfer or other disposition has been consummated. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period shall have consummated any pro forma event that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such pro forma event had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. If since the beginning of such period any Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, then the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.
(4) For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any pro forma event, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Issuer as set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, to reflect operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from the applicable event within 18 months of the date the applicable event is consummated.
(5) If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term in excess of 12 months). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be
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determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a Eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Issuer may designate.
(6) For purposes of this definition, any amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate for such currency for the most recent twelve month period immediately prior to the date of determination in a manner consistent with that used in calculating EBITDA for the applicable period.
“Consolidated Taxes” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital, including, without limitation, state, franchise, property and similar taxes, foreign withholding taxes (including penalties and interest related to such taxes or arising from tax examinations) and any Tax Distributions actually taken into account in calculating Consolidated Net Income.
“Consolidated Total Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum (without duplication) of (1) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding any undrawn letters of credit) consisting of bankers’ acceptances and Indebtedness for borrowed money, plus (2) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Disqualified Stock of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries and all Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries, with the amount of such Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock equal to the greater of their respective voluntary or involuntary liquidation preferences, in each case determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated Total Net Leverage Calculation Date” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio.”
“Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person, at any date, the ratio of (i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of calculation (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) less the amount of cash and Cash Equivalents that do not constitute Restricted Cash held by such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such determination for which internal financial statements of such Person are available to (ii) EBITDA of such Person for the four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements of such Person are available immediately preceding such date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred.
(1) In the event that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness or issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is made (the “Consolidated Total Net Leverage Calculation Date”), then the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period; provided that the Issuer may elect pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred at such time, in which case any
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subsequent Incurrence of Indebtedness (or Liens secured by such Indebtedness) under such commitment shall not be deemed, for purposes of this calculation, to be an Incurrence at such subsequent time.
(2) To the extent (i) the Issuer elects pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred or (ii) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary elects to treat Indebtedness as having been Incurred prior to the actual Incurrence thereof pursuant to Section 4.03(c)(3) the Issuer shall deem all or such portion of such commitment or such Indebtedness, as applicable, as having been Incurred and to be outstanding for purposes of calculating the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for any period in which the Issuer makes any such election and for any subsequent period until such commitments or such Indebtedness, as applicable, are no longer outstanding or such notice is withdrawn.
(3) For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP and including, for each applicable period and for the avoidance of doubt, any of the foregoing occurring in connection with the Transactions), in each case with respect to any company, any business or any group of assets constituting an operating unit of a business, that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary has made during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Calculation Date (each, for purposes of this definition, a “pro forma event”) shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations, or discontinued operations (and the change of any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period; provided that, notwithstanding any classification of any Person, business, assets or operations as discontinued operations because a definitive agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition in respect thereof has been entered into, the Issuer shall not make such computations on a pro forma basis for any such classification for any period until such sale, transfer or other disposition has been consummated. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period shall have consummated any pro forma event that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such pro forma event had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. If since the beginning of such period any Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, then the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.
(4) For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any pro forma event, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Issuer as set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, to reflect operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from the applicable event within 18 months of the date the applicable event is consummated.
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(5) If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term in excess of 12 months). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a Eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Issuer may designate.
(6) For purposes of this definition, any amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate for such currency for the most recent twelve month period immediately prior to the date of determination in a manner consistent with that used in calculating EBITDA for the applicable period.
“Contingent Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:
(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor;
(2) to advance or supply funds:
(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation; or
(b) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; or
(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the designated office of the Trustee in the United States of America at which any time its corporate trust business shall be administered, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the holders and the Issuer, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the holders and the Issuer).
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“Credit Agreement” means (i) the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and (ii) whether or not the credit agreement referred to in clause (i) remains outstanding, if designated by the Issuer to be included in this definition of “Credit Agreement,” one or more (A) debt facilities or commercial paper facilities, providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, securitization or receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, (B) debt securities, indentures or other forms of debt financing (including convertible or exchangeable debt instruments or bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances), or (C) instruments or agreements evidencing any other Indebtedness, in each case, with the same or different borrowers or issuers and, in each case, as amended, supplemented, modified, waived, extended, restructured, repaid, renewed, refinanced, restated, replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise) or refunded in whole or in part from time to time.
“Credit Agreement Documents” means the collective reference to any Credit Agreement, any notes issued pursuant thereto and the guarantees thereof, and the collateral documents relating thereto, as amended, supplemented, restated, renewed, refunded, replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise), restructured, repaid, refinanced or otherwise modified, in whole or in part, from time to time.
“Credit Facilities” means any debt facilities (including the Senior Secured Credit Agreement), commercial paper facilities, debt securities, indentures or other forms of debt financing (including convertible or exchangeable debt instruments or bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances), in each case providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, securitization or receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, supplemented, modified, waived, extended, restructured, repaid, renewed, refinanced, restated, replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise) or refunded in whole or in part from time to time.
“Cumulative Credit” means the sum of (without duplication):
(1) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer for the period (taken as one accounting period) from the first day of the first full fiscal quarter commencing after the Completion Date occurs to the end of the Issuer’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit), plus
(2) 100% of the aggregate net proceeds, including cash and the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of property other than cash, received by the Issuer after the Completion Date (other than net proceeds to the extent such net proceeds have been used to Incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xiii)) from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Issuer (excluding Refunding Capital Stock, Designated Preferred Stock, Excluded Contributions and Disqualified Stock), including Equity Interests issued upon exercise of warrants or options (other than an issuance or sale to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary), plus
(3) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the capital of the Issuer received in cash and the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of property other than cash received by the Issuer after the Completion Date (other than Excluded
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Contributions, Refunding Capital Stock, Designated Preferred Stock and Disqualified Stock and other than contributions to the extent such contributions have been used to Incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock, or Preferred Stock pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xiii)), plus
(4) 100% of the principal amount of any Indebtedness, or the liquidation preference or maximum fixed repurchase price, as the case may be, of any Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary issued on or after the Completion Date (other than Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock issued to a Restricted Subsidiary) which has been converted into or exchanged for Equity Interests in the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock) or any Parent (provided, that in the case of any such Parent, such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock is retired or extinguished), plus
(5) 100% of the aggregate amount received by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary on or after the Completion Date in cash and the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of property other than cash received by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from:
(A) the sale or other disposition (other than to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries and from repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries by any Person (other than the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) and from repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constituted Restricted Investments,
(B) the sale (other than to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the Capital Stock of any joint venture or Unrestricted Subsidiary, or
(C) a distribution or dividend from any joint venture or Unrestricted Subsidiary, plus
(6) in the event any joint venture or Unrestricted Subsidiary has been redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys its assets to, or is liquidated into the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, the lesser of (x) the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of the Investment of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries in such joint venture or Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable) (other than in each case to the extent that the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary constituted a Permitted Investment), and (y) the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of the original Investment made by the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries in such joint venture or Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable) (other than in each case to the extent that the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary constituted a Permitted Investment).
“Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
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“Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Derivative Instrument” with respect to a Person, means any contract, instrument or other right to receive payment or delivery of cash or other assets to which such Person or any Affiliate of such Person that is acting in concert with such Person in connection with such Person’s investment in the Notes (other than a Screened Affiliate) is a party (whether or not requiring further performance by such Person), the value and/or cash flows of which (or any material portion thereof) are materially affected by the value and/or performance of the Notes and/or the creditworthiness of the Issuer and/or any one or more of the Guarantors (the “Performance References”).
“Designated Non-cash Consideration” means the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of non-cash consideration received by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate, setting forth such valuation, less the amount of Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of such Designated Non-cash Consideration.
“Designated Preferred Stock” means Preferred Stock of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock), that is issued for cash (other than to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries) and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate, on the issuance date thereof.
“Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is redeemable or exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event:
(1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale),
(2) is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or
(3) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part (other than solely as a result of a change of control or asset sale), in each case prior to 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes or the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided, however, that only the portion of Capital Stock which so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock; provided, further, however, that if such Capital Stock is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Issuer or their Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by such Person in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death or disability; provided, further, that any class of Capital Stock of such Person that by its terms authorizes such Person to satisfy its obligations thereunder by delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Stock;
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provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, no Preferred Stock issued by the Ultimate Issuer in connection with the Transactions shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.
“Domestic Subsidiary” means a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company or any successor securities clearing agency.
“EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period plus, without duplication, to the extent the same was deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income:
(1) Consolidated Taxes; plus
(2) Fixed Charges and costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities; plus
(3) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense; plus
(4) Consolidated Non-Cash Charges; plus
(5) any expenses or charges (other than Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense) related to any issuance of Equity Interests, Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the Incurrence, modification or repayment of Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred by this Indenture (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the Notes or any other Indebtedness or the Transactions, (ii) any amendment or other modification of the Notes or other Indebtedness and (iii) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Qualified Securitization Financing; plus
(6) business optimization expenses and other restructuring charges, reserves or expenses (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include, without limitation, the effect of facility closures, facility consolidations, retention, severance, systems establishment costs, contract termination costs, future lease commitments and excess pension charges); provided that the aggregate amount added to EBITDA pursuant to this clause (6), together with the aggregate amount added to EBITDA pursuant to clauses (9) and (10) below, shall not exceed 20% of EBITDA for such period (determined after giving effect to such adjustments); plus
(7) the amount of loss or discount on sale of assets and any commissions, yield and other fees and charges, in each case in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; plus
(8) any costs or expenses incurred pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Issuer or any Guarantor or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation of the Cumulative Credit; plus
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(9) the amount of net cost savings, operating improvements or synergies projected by the Issuer in good faith to be realized within eighteen months following the date of any operational changes, business realignment projects or initiatives, restructurings or reorganizations which have been or are intended to be initiated (other than those operational changes, business realignment projects or initiatives, restructurings or reorganizations entered into in connection with any pro forma event (as defined in the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”) (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings had been realized on the first day of such period)), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that such net cost savings and operating improvements or synergies are reasonably identifiable and quantifiable; provided, further, that the aggregate amount added to EBITDA pursuant to this clause (9) , together with the aggregate amount added to EBITDA pursuant to clause (6) above and clause (10) below, shall not exceed 20% of EBITDA for such period (determined after giving effect to such adjustments); plus
(10) add-backs and adjustments of the nature used in connection with the calculations of “pro forma EBITDA,” “pro forma adjusted EBITDA” and “pro forma further adjusted EBITDA” (or similar pro forma non-GAAP measures) as set forth in the section titled “Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information” in the Offering Memorandum to the extent such add-backs and adjustments, without duplication, continue to be applicable to such period; provided, further, that the aggregate amount added to EBITDA pursuant to this clause (10), together with the aggregate amount added to EBITDA pursuant to clauses (6) and (9) above, shall not exceed 20% of EBITDA for such period (determined after giving effect to such adjustments)
less, without duplication, to the extent the same increased Consolidated Net Income,
(11) non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period (excluding the recognition of deferred revenue or any items which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges that reduced EBITDA in any prior period and any items for which cash was received in a prior period).
“Electronic Means” means the following communications methods: S.W.I.F.T., e-mail, facsimile transmission, secure electronic transmission containing applicable authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys issued by the Trustee, or another method or system specified by the Trustee as available for use in connection with its services hereunder.
“Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
“Equity Offering” means any public or private sale after the Completion Date of common Capital Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer or any Parent, as applicable (other than Disqualified Stock), other than:
(1) public offerings with respect to the Issuer’s or such direct or indirect parent’s common stock registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8;
(2) issuances to any Subsidiary of the Issuer; and
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(3) any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution.
“Escrow Agent” means U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as escrow agent under the Escrow Agreement, together with its successors in such capacity.
“Escrow Agreement” means the escrow agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, by and among the Forward, Escrow Issuer, the Trustee and the Escrow Agent, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.
“Escrow Release Date” means the date of the Escrow Release.
“Escrowed Property” means the initial funds deposited in the Escrow Account on the Issue Date, and all other funds, securities, interest, dividends, distributions, earnings and other property and payments credited to the Escrow Account in connection with the Notes.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
“Excluded Assets” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
“Excluded Contributions” means the Cash Equivalents or other assets (valued at their Fair Market Value as determined in good faith by senior management or the Board of Directors of the Issuer) received by the Issuer after the Completion Date from:
(1) contributions to its common equity capital, and
(2) the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Issuer or to any Subsidiary management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Designated Preferred Stock) of the Issuer,
in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate.
“Excluded Subsidiary” means (a) each Domestic Subsidiary that is prohibited from guaranteeing the Notes by any requirement of law or that would require consent, approval, license or authorization of a governmental authority to guarantee the Notes (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received), (b) each Domestic Subsidiary that is prohibited by any applicable contractual requirement from guaranteeing the Notes on the Completion Date or at the time such Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary (to the extent not Incurred in connection with becoming a Subsidiary and in each case for so long as such restriction or any replacement or renewal thereof is in effect), (c) any Domestic Subsidiary (i) that owns no material assets (directly or through its Subsidiaries) other than Equity Interests of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs or (ii) that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC, (d) any Foreign Subsidiary, (e) any Securitization Subsidiary and any other special purpose subsidiary, (f) any CFC, (g) any Unrestricted Subsidiary, (h) any Immaterial Subsidiary, (i) any Subsidiary that is a captive insurance company and (j) any not-for-profit Subsidiary.
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“Fair Market Value” means, with respect to any asset or property on any date of determination, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s-length transaction on such date of determination, 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. Except as otherwise set forth in this Indenture, such value shall be determined in good faith by the Issuer.
“Fitch” means Fitch Ratings Inc. or any successor entity.
“Fixed Charge Calculation Date” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the ratio of EBITDA of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period.
(1) In the event that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurs, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness or issues, repurchases or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Fixed Charge Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such Incurrence, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period; provided that the Issuer may elect pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred at such time, in which case any subsequent Incurrence of Indebtedness under such commitment shall not be deemed, for purposes of this calculation, to be an Incurrence at such subsequent time.
(2) To the extent (i) the Issuer elects pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee to treat all or any portion of the commitment under any Indebtedness as being Incurred or (ii) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary elects to treat Indebtedness as having been Incurred prior to the actual Incurrence thereof pursuant to Section 4.03(c)(3), the Issuer shall deem all or such portion of such commitment or such Indebtedness, as applicable, as having been Incurred and to be outstanding for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for any period in which the Issuer makes any such election and for any subsequent period until such commitments or such Indebtedness, as applicable, are no longer outstanding or such notice is withdrawn.
(3) For purposes of making the computation referred to above, Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations and discontinued operations (as determined in accordance with GAAP and including, for each applicable period and for the avoidance of doubt, any of the foregoing occurring in connection with the Transactions), in each case with respect to any company, any business or any group of assets constituting an operating unit of a business, that the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary has made during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Fixed Charge Calculation Date (each, for purposes of this definition, a “pro forma event”) shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions,
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dispositions, mergers, amalgamations, consolidations, or discontinued operations (and the change of any associated fixed charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period; provided that, notwithstanding any classification of any Person, business, assets or operations as discontinued operations because a definitive agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition in respect thereof has been entered into, the Issuer shall not make such computations on a pro forma basis for any such classification for any period until such sale, transfer or other disposition has been consummated. If since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period shall have consummated any pro forma event, that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such pro forma event had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. If since the beginning of such period any Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.
(4) For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any pro forma event, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer. Any such pro forma calculation may include adjustments appropriate, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Issuer as set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, to reflect operating expense reductions and other operating improvements or synergies reasonably expected to result from the applicable event within 18 months of the date the applicable event is consummated.
(5) If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Fixed Charge Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term in excess of 12 months). Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a Eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Issuer may designate.
(6) For purposes of this definition, any amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars will be converted to U.S. dollars based on the average exchange rate for such currency for the most recent twelve month period immediately prior to the date of determination in a manner consistent with that used in calculating EBITDA for the applicable period.
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of: (1) Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs) of such Person for such period, and (2) all cash dividend payments (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock of such Person.
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“Foreign Subsidiary” means a Restricted Subsidiary not organized or existing under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia. For the avoidance of doubt, any Subsidiary incorporated or organized under the laws of a territory of the United States (including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) shall constitute a “Foreign Subsidiary.”
“Forward” means Forward Air Corporation, a Tennessee corporation.
“FSHCO” means any Subsidiary that owns no material assets other than the Equity Interest (including for this purpose any debt or other instruments treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes) in one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs and/or of one or more FSHCOs.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect from time to time (unless otherwise specified herein). For the purposes of this Indenture, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person shall mean such Person consolidated with its Restricted Subsidiaries, and shall not include any Unrestricted Subsidiary, but the interest of such Person in an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be accounted for as an Investment. If there occurs a change in generally accepted accounting principles and such change would cause a change in the method of calculation of any term or measure used in this Indenture (an “Accounting Change”), then the Issuer may elect, as evidenced by a written notice of the Issuer to the Trustee, that such term or measure shall be calculated as if such Accounting Change had not occurred.
“Grantor” means the Issuer and the Guarantors as of the Completion Date and each other direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Issuer that shall have granted any Lien in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent.
“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, letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other Obligations. The amount of any guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the Indebtedness in respect of which such guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such Person in good faith.
“Guarantee” means any guarantee of the Obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes by any Guarantor in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
“Guarantor” means Forward and each Subsidiary Guarantor.
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“Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under:
(1) currency exchange, interest rate or commodity swap agreements, currency exchange, interest rate or commodity cap agreements and currency exchange, interest rate or commodity collar agreements; and
(2) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in currency exchange, interest rates or commodity prices.
“holder” or “noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.
“Immaterial Subsidiary” means, at any date of determination, any Restricted Subsidiary that (i) has total assets of less than 2.5% of the Total Assets, and, together with all other Immaterial Subsidiaries (as determined in accordance with GAAP), has total assets of less than 5% of the Total Assets, in each case measured at the end of the most recent fiscal period for which internal financial statements are available and on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any acquisitions or dispositions of companies, division or line of business since such balance sheet and on or prior to the date of acquisition of such Subsidiary and (ii) has revenue for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on such date of less than 2.5% of the combined revenue of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period and, together with all other Immaterial Subsidiaries (as determined in accordance with GAAP), has revenue for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on such date of less than 5% of the combined revenue of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (in each case, measured for the four quarters ended most recently for which internal financial statements are available and on a pro forma basis giving effect to any acquisitions or dispositions of companies, division or lines of business since the start of such four quarter reference period).
“Incur” means issue, assume, guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger, amalgamation, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Subsidiary. “Incurred” and “Incurrence” shall have like meanings.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person:
(1) the principal of any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, (a) in respect of borrowed money, (b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), (c) representing the deferred and unpaid purchase price of any property (except any such balance that constitutes (i) a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor Incurred in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any earn-out obligations until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (iii) liabilities accrued in the ordinary course of business), which purchase price is due more than twelve months after the date of placing the property in service or taking delivery and title thereto, (d) in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations, (e) in respect of Securitization Financings or (f) representing any Hedging Obligations, if and to the extent that any of the foregoing indebtedness would appear as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;
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(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation of such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, the obligations referred to in clause (1) of another Person (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business); and
(3) to the extent not otherwise included, Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person); provided, however, that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of: (a) the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of such asset at such date of determination, and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person;
provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include (1) Contingent Obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business and not in respect of borrowed money; (2) deferred or prepaid revenues; (3) purchase price holdbacks in respect of a portion of the purchase price of an asset to satisfy warranty or other unperformed obligations of the respective seller; (4) trade and other ordinary course payables, accrued expenses and intercompany liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business; (5) obligations in respect of cash management services; (6) in the case of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries (x) all intercompany Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business and (y) intercompany liabilities in connection with cash management, tax and accounting operations of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries; and (7) any obligations under Hedging Obligations; provided that such agreements are entered into for bona fide hedging purposes of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or senior management of the Issuer, whether or not accounted for as a hedge in accordance with GAAP) and, in the case of any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, futures contract, option contract or other similar agreement, such agreements are related to business transactions of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business and, in the case of any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement, such agreements substantially correspond in terms of notional amount, duration and interest rates, as applicable, to Indebtedness of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries Incurred without violation of this Indenture.
Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, Indebtedness shall not include, and shall be calculated without giving effect to, the effects of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 and related interpretations to the extent such effects would otherwise increase or decrease an amount of Indebtedness for any purpose under this Indenture as a result of accounting for any embedded derivatives created by the terms of such Indebtedness; and any such amounts that would have constituted Indebtedness under this Indenture but for the application of this sentence shall not be deemed an Incurrence of Indebtedness under this Indenture.
“Indenture” means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time.
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“Independent Financial Advisor” means an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm or consultant, in each case of nationally recognized standing, that is, in the good faith determination of the Issuer, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.
“Intellectual Property” means any and all patents, copyrights and trademarks.
“Intercreditor Agreements” means the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and any Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement.
“Interest Payment Date” has the meaning set forth in paragraph 1 on the reverse side of the applicable Note.
“Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than: (a) Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s, (b) BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, (c) BBB- (or the equivalent) by Fitch, or (d) an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency selected by the Issuer.
“Investment Grade Securities” means:
(1) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents),
(2) securities that have a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or equivalent) by S&P, but excluding any debt securities or loans or advances between and among the Issuer and its Subsidiaries,
(3) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold material amounts of cash pending investment and/or distribution, and
(4) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments and in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition.
“Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances to customers and commission, travel and similar advances to officers, employees and consultants made in the ordinary course of business and any assets or securities received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss and any prepayments and other credits to suppliers made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet of such Person in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 4.04:
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(1) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Issuer’s Equity Interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Issuer shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary equal to an amount (if positive) equal to:
(a) its “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less
(b) the portion (proportionate to its Equity Interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and
(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer.
“Issue Date” means the date on which the Notes are originally issued.
“Issuer” means, (i) prior to the Escrow Merger, the Escrow Issuer, and (ii) from and after the Escrow Merger, the Ultimate Issuer.
“Junior Priority Liens” means Liens on the Collateral that are intended to be junior in priority to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Pari Passu Lien Obligations (it being understood that junior priority Liens are not required to rank equally and ratably with other junior priority Liens, and that Indebtedness secured by junior priority Liens may be secured by Liens that are senior in priority to, or rank equally and ratably with, or junior in priority to, other Liens constituting junior priority Liens).
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or similar 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 or any lease in the nature thereof); provided that in no event shall an operating lease or an agreement to sell be deemed to constitute a Lien.
“Limited Condition Acquisition” means any acquisition or other investment by the Issuer or one or more of the Restricted Subsidiaries permitted pursuant to this Indenture, the consummation of which is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing.
“Long Derivative Instrument” means a Derivative Instrument (i) the value of which generally increases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally decrease, with positive changes to the Performance References and/or (ii) the value of which generally decreases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally increase, with negative changes to the Performance References.
“Material Intellectual Property” means any Intellectual Property owned by Forward, the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that is material to the business of Forward, the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (as determined by the Issuer in good faith).
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“Merger” means the merger of Opco Merger Sub with and into Omni with Omni surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ultimate Issuer pursuant to the Merger Agreement.
“Merger Agreement” means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 10, 2023 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), by and among Forward, the Ultimate Issuer, Omni, the Escrow Issuer and the other entities party thereto.
“Moody’s” means Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
“Net Income” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.
“Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received in respect of or upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale and any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, but excluding the assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness relating to the disposed assets or other consideration received in any other non-cash form), net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions), and any relocation expenses Incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (including Tax Distributions and after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements related solely to such disposition), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium (if any) and interest on Indebtedness required (other than pursuant to Section 4.06(b)) to be paid as a result of such transaction, and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries after such sale or other disposition thereof, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.
“Net Short” means, with respect to a holder or beneficial owner, as of a date of determination, either (i) the value of its Short Derivative Instruments exceeds the sum of the (x) the value of its Notes plus (y) the value of its Long Derivative Instruments as of such date of determination or (ii) it is reasonably expected that such would have been the case were a Failure to Pay or Bankruptcy Credit Event (each as defined in the 2014 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions) to have occurred with respect to the Issuer or any Guarantor immediately prior to such date of determination.
“Notes” means the Initial Notes and any Additional Notes that are actually issued.
“Notes Collateral Agent” means the party named as such in the preamble to this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, means the successor serving hereunder.
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“Notes Documents” means the Notes (including Additional Notes), this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements.
“Notes Obligations” means Obligations in respect of the Notes, this Indenture, the Guarantees and the Security Documents.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest (including Post-Petition Interest, fees and expenses accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Issuer or any Guarantor whether or not a claim for Post-Petition Interest, fees or expenses is allowed or allowable in such proceedings), penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including, without limitation, reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances), damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness; provided that Obligations with respect to the Notes shall not include fees or indemnifications in favor of third parties other than the Trustee and the holders of the Notes.
“Offering Memorandum” means the offering memorandum, dated September 22, 2023, relating to the issuance of the Initial Notes.
“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of such Person.
“Officers’ Certificate” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed on behalf of such Person by two Officers of such Person, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of such Person.
“Omni” means Omni Newco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
“Opco Merger Sub” means Clue Opco Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Ultimate Issuer.
“Opinion of Counsel” means, with respect to any Person, a written opinion reasonably acceptable to the Trustee from legal counsel. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to such Person.
“Parent” means Forward and any other Person that is a Subsidiary of Forward and of which the Issuer is a Subsidiary, in each case, solely for so long as the Issuer remains a Subsidiary of Forward or such other Person.
“Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain pari passu intercreditor agreement, to be dated as of the Completion Date, among the Ultimate Issuer, the Guarantors, the Notes Collateral Agent, the Senior Secured Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, and the other agents, representatives and Guarantors party thereto from time to time, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.
“Pari Passu Lien Obligations” means (i) the Senior Secured Credit Agreement Obligations, (ii) the Notes Obligations and (iii) any Additional Pari Passu Lien Obligations.
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“Performance References” has the definition set forth in the definition of “Derivative Instrument.”
“Permitted Investments” means:
(1) any Investment in the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;
(3) any Investment by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Person if as a result of such Investment (a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, or (b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary;
(4) any Investment in securities or other assets not constituting Cash Equivalents and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to Section 4.06 or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;
(5) any Investment existing on, or made pursuant to binding commitments existing on, the Completion Date or an Investment consisting of any extension, modification or renewal of any Investment existing on the Completion Date; provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased (x) as required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on the Completion Date or (y) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;
(6) loans and advances to officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or any Parent (i) in the ordinary course of business in an aggregate outstanding amount (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write-downs or write-offs thereof) not to exceed $10 million at the time of Incurrence, (ii) in respect of payroll payments and expenses in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent solely to the extent that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to the Issuer in cash as common equity;
(7) any Investment acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable, or (b) as a result of a foreclosure by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;
(8) Hedging Obligations permitted under Section 4.03(b)(x);
(9) any Investment by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Similar Business having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer), taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (9) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed the sum of (x) the greater of $140 million and 25% of Consolidated EBITDA at the time
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such Investment is made, plus (y) an amount equal to any returns (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) actually received in respect of any such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (9) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (9) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;
(10) additional Investments by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer), taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (10) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed the sum of (x) the greater of $165 million and 30% of Consolidated EBITDA as of the date of such Investment, plus (y) an amount equal to any returns (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) actually received in respect of any such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (10) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (10) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;
(11) loans and advances to officers, directors or employees of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or any Parent for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent;
(12) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock) or any Parent, as applicable; provided, however, that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of the definition of “Cumulative Credit”;
(13) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted by and made in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.07(b) (except transactions described in clauses (ii), (iv), (vi), (viii)(B) and (xv) of Section 4.07(b));
(14) guarantees issued in accordance with Section 4.03 and Section 4.11, including, without limitation, any guarantee or other Obligation issued or Incurred under any Credit Agreement in connection with any letter of credit issued for the account of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (including with respect to the issuance of, or payments in respect of drawings under, such letters of credit);
(15) Investments consisting of or to finance purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, materials, services or equipment or purchases of contract rights or licenses or leases of intellectual property;
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(16) any Investment in a Securitization Subsidiary or any Investment by a Securitization Subsidiary in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing, including Investments of funds held in accounts permitted or required by the arrangements governing such Qualified Securitization Financing or any related Indebtedness;
(17) any Investment in an entity which is not a Restricted Subsidiary to which a Restricted Subsidiary sells Securitization Assets pursuant to a Securitization Financing;
(18) Investments of a Restricted Subsidiary acquired after the Completion Date or of an entity merged into, amalgamated with, or consolidated with the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in a transaction that is not prohibited by Section 5.01 after the Completion Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation;
(19) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of Uniform Commercial Code Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and Uniform Commercial Code Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers;
(20) advances in the form of a prepayment of expenses, so long as such expenses are being paid in accordance with customary trade terms of the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiaries;
(21) Investments in joint ventures or Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer), taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (21), not to exceed the sum of (x) the greater of (A) $110 million and (B) 20% of Consolidated EBITDA in the aggregate as of the date of such Investment, plus (y) an amount equal to any returns (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts) actually received in respect of any such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (21) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (21) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;
(22) any Investment in any Subsidiary of the Issuer or any joint venture in connection with intercompany cash management arrangements or related activities arising in the ordinary course of business;
(23) guaranteed Obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of leases or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business; and
(24) other Investments; provided that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio of the Issuer for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available, determined on a pro forma basis, is less than 3.30 to 1.00.
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“Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:
(1) pledges or deposits and other Liens granted by such Person under workmen’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or U.S. government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds, performance and return of money bonds, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(2) Liens imposed by law, such as landlord’s, carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s, construction or other like Liens securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review;
(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue by more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;
(4) Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds or bid bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar obligations issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business;
(5) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, trackage rights, special assessments, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, servicing agreements, development agreements, site plan agreements and other similar encumbrances Incurred in the ordinary course of business or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not Incurred in connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;
(6) (A) Liens on assets of a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor securing Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor not prohibited from being Incurred by Section 4.03;
(B) Liens securing (x)(i) other than during a Suspension Period, Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(i) (other than Indebtedness Incurred under Section 4.03(b)(i)(3)(z)); provided, that, in the case of Indebtedness Incurred under Section 4.03(b)(i)(3)(y), such Liens shall rank junior in priority to the Liens on the Collateral pursuant to an Acceptable Junior Priority Intercreditor Agreement, and (y) any other Indebtedness up to additional amounts, if, in the case of this clause (y), as of the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, and after giving pro forma effect thereto and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, (1) other than during a Suspension Period, such Liens rank (A) junior in priority with the Liens securing the Notes Obligations and the
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Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio of the Issuer does not exceed 3.30 to 1.00 or (B) equal in priority with the Liens securing the Notes Obligations and the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio of the Issuer does not exceed 2.80 to 1.00 or (2) during a Suspension Period, the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio of the Issuer does not exceed 3.30 to 1.00; and
(C) (x) other than during a Suspension Period, Liens securing Obligations in respect of Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (iv) or (xiv) (to the extent such guarantees are issued in respect of any Indebtedness) of Section 4.03(b) and (y) thereafter, Liens securing (i) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations) Incurred by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to finance (whether prior to or within 270 days after) the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) that, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause (6)(C)(y)(i) does not exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of $275 million and 50% of Consolidated EBITDA as of the date such Indebtedness is Incurred and (ii) any guarantee by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary is not prohibited under the terms of this Indenture; provided that if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes any such guarantee with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Notes substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes;
(7) Liens existing on the Completion Date (other than Liens in favor of the lenders under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement);
(8) Liens on assets, property or shares of stock of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming a Subsidiary; provided, further, however, that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than pursuant to after-acquired property clauses in effect with respect to such Lien at the time of acquisition on property of the type that would have been subject to such Lien notwithstanding the occurrence of such acquisition);
(9) Liens on assets or property at the time the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the assets or property, including any acquisition by means of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided, further, however, that the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than pursuant to after-acquired property clauses in effect with respect to such Lien at the time of acquisition on property of the type that would have been subject to such Lien notwithstanding the occurrence of such acquisition);
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(10) (x) other than during a Suspension Period, Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be Incurred in accordance with Section 4.03 and (y) thereafter, Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary;
(11) Liens securing Hedging Obligations not Incurred in violation of this Indenture;
(12) Liens on inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of documentary letters of credit, bank guarantees or bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;
(13) leases, subleases, licenses and sublicenses of real property which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;
(14) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases or other obligations not constituting Indebtedness;
(15) Liens in favor of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor (or, during a Suspension Period, any Restricted Subsidiary);
(16) Liens on assets of the type specified in the definition of “Securitization Financing” Incurred in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing;
(17) pledges and deposits and other Liens made in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers;
(18) Liens on the Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;
(19) leases or subleases, and licenses or sublicenses (including with respect to intellectual property) granted to others in the ordinary course of business, and Liens on real property which is not owned but is leased or subleased by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(20) Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancings, refundings, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (15), (25) and (35) of this definition; provided, however, that (x) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property (including any after acquired property to the extent it would have been subject to the original Lien) that secured the original Lien (plus improvements on and accessions to such property, proceeds and products thereof, customary security deposits and any other assets pursuant to the after-acquired property clauses to the extent such assets secured (or would have secured) the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded, extended, renewed or replaced), and (y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) or, if greater, committed amount of the applicable Indebtedness described under
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clauses (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (15), (25) and (35) of this definition at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under this Indenture, (B) unpaid accrued interest and premiums (including tender premiums), and (C) an amount necessary to pay any underwriting discounts, defeasance costs, commissions, fees and expenses related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement; provided, further, however, that (X) in the case of any Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal of Indebtedness secured by a Lien referred to in clause (6)(B), (6)(C) or (25) of this definition, the principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred for such refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal shall be deemed secured by a Lien under clause (6)(B), (6)(C) or (25) of this definition and not this clause (20) for purposes of determining the principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding under clause (6)(B), (6)(C) or (25) of this definition and (Y) other than during a Suspension Period, in the case of Liens to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension or renewal of Indebtedness secured by a Lien referred to in clause (6)(B) or (25) of this definition, such new Lien shall have priority equal to or more junior in priority than the Lien securing such refinanced, refunded, extended or renewed Indebtedness;
(21) Liens on equipment of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary granted in the ordinary course of business to the Issuer’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s client at which such equipment is located;
(22) judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been made;
(23) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale or purchase of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(24) Liens Incurred to secure cash management services or to implement cash pooling arrangements in the ordinary course of business;
(25) other Liens securing Obligations the outstanding principal amount of which does not, taken together with the principal amount of all other Obligations secured by Liens Incurred under this clause (25) that are at that time outstanding, exceed the greater of $165 million and 30% of Consolidated EBITDA at the time of Incurrence;
(26) any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Capital Stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement securing obligations of such joint venture or pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;
(27) any amounts held by a trustee in the funds and accounts under any indenture issued in escrow pursuant to customary escrow arrangements pending the release thereof, or under any indenture pursuant to customary discharge, redemption or defeasance provisions;
(28) Liens (i) arising by virtue of any statutory or common law provisions relating to banker’s Liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depository or financial institution, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts Incurred in the ordinary course of business or
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(iii) encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to brokerage accounts Incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(29) Liens (i) in favor of credit card companies pursuant to agreements therewith and (ii) in favor of customers;
(30) Liens disclosed by the title commitments or title insurance policies delivered pursuant to any Credit Agreement and any replacement, extension or renewal of any such Lien; provided that such replacement, extension or renewal Lien shall not cover any property other than the property that was subject to such Lien prior to such replacement, extension or renewal; provided, further, that the Indebtedness and other obligations secured by such replacement, extension or renewal Lien are permitted under this Indenture;
(31) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers, suppliers or service providers of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;
(32) in the case of real property that constitutes a leasehold or subleasehold interest, (x) any Lien to which the fee simple interest (or any superior leasehold interest) is subject or may become subject and any subordination of such leasehold or subleasehold interest to any such Lien in accordance with the terms and provisions of the applicable leasehold or subleasehold documents, and (y) any right of first refusal, right of first negotiation or right of first offer which is granted to the lessor or sublessor;
(33) agreements to subordinate any interest of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in any accounts receivable or other prices arising from inventory consigned by the Issuer or any such Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(34) Liens on securities that are the subject of repurchase agreements constituting Cash Equivalents under clause (4) of the definition thereof;
(35) Liens securing the Notes (other than any Additional Notes) and the related Guarantees;
(36) Liens securing insurance premium financing arrangements; provided that such Liens are limited to the applicable unearned insurance premiums;
(37) Liens granted in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice to lessors of trucks, trailers or tractors, leased by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof pursuant to arrangements which are intended to be true leases; and
(38) during a Suspension Period, Liens that were created or Incurred when not in a Suspension Period in reliance on Section 4.12(a)(i) (and any Lien to secure any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement (or successive refinancings, refundings, extensions, renewals or replacements) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by such Subject Lien).
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“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.
“Post-Petition Interest” means any interest or entitlement to fees or expenses or other charges that accrue after the commencement of any insolvency or liquidation proceeding, whether or not allowed or allowable as a claim in any such insolvency or liquidation proceeding.
“Preferred Stock” means any Equity Interest with preferential right of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.
“Qualified Securitization Financing” means any Securitization Financing that meets the following conditions:
(1) the Issuer shall have determined in good faith that such Qualified Securitization Financing (including financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions) is in the aggregate economically fair and reasonable to the Issuer or the applicable Subsidiary, as the case may be;
(2) all sales of Securitization Assets and related assets by the Issuer or the applicable Subsidiary (other than a Securitization Subsidiary) either to the applicable Securitization Subsidiary or directly to the applicable third-party financing providers (as the case may be) are made at Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer); and
(3) the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be market terms (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) and may include Standard Securitization Undertakings.
“Rating Agency” means (1) any of Moody’s, S&P or Fitch and (2) if any of Moody’s, S&P or Fitch ceases to rate the Notes or to make a rating of the Notes publicly available for reasons outside of the Issuer’s control, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) under the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer or any Parent as a replacement agency for Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, as the case may be.
“Record Date” has the meaning set forth in paragraph 2 on the reverse side of the applicable Note.
“Regulated Bank” means a commercial bank with a consolidated combined capital surplus of at least $500,000,000 that is (i) a U.S. depository institution the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (ii) a corporation organized under section 25A of the U.S. Federal Reserve Act of 1913; (iii) a branch, agency or commercial lending company of a foreign bank operating pursuant to approval by and under the supervision of the Board of Governors under 12 C.F.R. part 211; (iv) a non-U.S. branch of a foreign bank managed and controlled by a U.S. branch referred to in clause (iii); or (v) any other U.S. or non-U.S. depository institution or any branch, agency or similar office thereof supervised by a bank regulatory authority in any jurisdiction.
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“Responsible Officer” means:
(1) any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee 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
(2) who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
“Restricted Cash” means cash and Cash Equivalents held by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries that would appear as “restricted” on a consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries.
“Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
“Restricted Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of such Person. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Restricted Subsidiary” shall mean a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer.
“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.
“Sale/Leaseback Transaction” means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person, the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person, other than leases between any of the Issuer and a Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries.
“Screened Affiliate” means any Affiliate of a holder (i) that makes investment decisions independently from such holder and any other Affiliate of such holder that is not a Screened Affiliate, (ii) that has in place customary information screens between it and such holder and any other Affiliate of such holder that is not a Screened Affiliate and such screens prohibit the sharing of information with respect to the Issuer or its Subsidiaries, (iii) whose investment policies are not directed by such holder or any other Affiliate of such holder that is acting in concert with such holder in connection with its investment in the Notes, and (iv) whose investment decisions are not influenced by the investment decisions of such holder or any other Affiliate of such holder that is acting in concert with such holder in connection with its investment in the Notes.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Secured Indebtedness” means any Consolidated Total Indebtedness secured by a Lien.
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“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
“Securitization Assets” means any of the following assets (or interests therein) from time to time originated, acquired or otherwise owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or in which the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary has any rights or interests, in each case, without regard to where such assets or interests are located:
(1) receivables, payment obligations, installment contracts, and similar rights, whether currently existing or arising or estimated to arise in the future, and whether in the form of accounts, chattel paper, general intangibles, instruments or otherwise (including any drafts, bills of exchange or similar notes and instruments),
(2) royalty and other similar payments made related to the use of trade names and other intellectual property, business support, training and other services, including, without limitation, licensing fees, lease payments and similar revenue streams,
(3) revenues related to distribution and merchandising of the products of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries,
(4) intellectual property rights relating to the generation of any of the foregoing types of assets,
(5) parcels of or interests in real property, together with all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereto, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof and
(6) any other assets and property to the extent customarily included in securitization transactions or factoring transactions of the relevant type in the applicable jurisdictions (as determined by the Issuer in good faith).
“Securitization Fees” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interests issued or sold in connection with, and all other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Securitization Financing.
“Securitization Financing” means any transaction or series of related transactions that may be entered into by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to which the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may sell, assign, convey or otherwise transfer to any other Person, or may grant a security interest in, any Securitization Assets (whether now existing or arising in the future) of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such Securitization Assets, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such Securitization Assets, proceeds of such Securitization Assets and other assets which are customarily sold, assigned, conveyed, or transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions or factoring transactions involving Securitization Assets and any Hedging Obligations entered into by the Issuer or any such Subsidiary in connection with such Securitization Assets.
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“Securitization Repurchase Obligation” means any obligation of a seller of Securitization Assets in a Qualified Securitization Financing to repurchase Securitization Assets arising as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant or otherwise, including as a result of a Securitization Asset or portion thereof becoming subject to any asserted defense, dispute, dilution, off-set or counterclaim of any kind as a result of any action taken by, any failure to take action by or any other event relating to the seller.
“Securitization Subsidiary” means a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary (or another Person formed for the purposes of engaging in a Qualified Securitization Financing with the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries in which the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries makes an Investment and to which the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries transfers Securitization Assets and related assets) which engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of Securitization Assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, all proceeds thereof and all rights (contractual or other), collateral and other assets relating thereto, and any business or activities incidental or related to such business, and which is designated by the Issuer (as provided below) as a Securitization Subsidiary and:
(a) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other Obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary (excluding guarantees of Obligations (other than the principal of and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), (ii) is recourse to or obligates the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings, or (iii) subjects any property or asset of the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings;
(b) with which neither the Issuer nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms which the Issuer reasonably believes to be no less favorable to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Issuer (other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings); and
(c) to which neither the Issuer nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results (other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings).
“Security Agreement” means the security and pledge agreement, to be dated as of the Completion Date, by and among the Ultimate Issuer, the Notes Collateral Agent and the other grantors and pledgors from time to time party thereto, as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.
“Security Documents” means the security agreements, pledge agreements, collateral assignments and related agreements, including the Security Agreement, in each case as amended, supplemented, restated, renewed, refunded, replaced, restructured or otherwise modified from time to time, creating or perfecting the security interests in the Collateral in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee and the holders of the Notes as contemplated by this Indenture.
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“Senior Indebtedness” means, (a) with respect to the Issuer, the Notes and any Indebtedness which ranks pari passu in right of payment to the Notes; and (b) with respect to any Guarantor, its Guarantee of the Notes and any Indebtedness which ranks pari passu in right of payment to such Guarantor’s Guarantee.
“Senior Secured Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the Completion Date, as amended from time to time, by and among the Ultimate Issuer, Citibank, N.A., as agent, and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise), restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement or indenture extending the maturity thereof, refinancing, replacing or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or any successor or replacement agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof (except to the extent any such refinancing, replacement or restructuring is designated by the Ultimate Issuer to not be included in this definition of “Senior Secured Credit Agreement”).
“Senior Secured Credit Agreement Collateral Agent” means Citibank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent for the “Secured Parties” (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Agreement), together with its successors and permitted assigns.
“Senior Secured Credit Agreement Obligations” means “Obligations” (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Agreement) together with any refinancing thereof.
“Short Derivative Instrument” means a Derivative Instrument (i) the value of which generally decreases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally increase, with positive changes to the Performance References and/or (ii) the value of which generally increases, and/or the payment or delivery obligations under which generally decrease, with negative changes to the Performance References.
“Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “Significant Subsidiary” within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC (or any successor provisions).
“Similar Business” means any business (x) the majority of whose revenues are derived from business or activities conducted by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries on the Completion Date (after giving effect to the Merger), (y) that is a natural outgrowth or reasonable extension, development, expansion of any business or activities conducted by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries on the Completion Date (after giving effect to the Merger) or any business similar, reasonably related, incidental, complementary or ancillary to any of the foregoing and (z) any business that in the Issuer’s good faith business judgment constitutes a reasonable diversification of businesses conducted by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries.
“Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, reimbursement obligations, performance undertakings, guarantees of performance, and other customary payment obligations entered into by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, whether joint and several or otherwise, which the Issuer has determined in good faith to be customary in a Securitization Financing including, without limitation, those relating to the servicing of the assets of a Securitization Subsidiary, it being understood that any Securitization Repurchase Obligation shall be deemed to be a Standard Securitization Undertaking.
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“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the issuer unless such contingency has occurred).
“Subordinated Indebtedness” means (a) with respect to the Issuer, any Indebtedness of the Issuer which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and (b) with respect to any Guarantor, any Indebtedness of such Guarantor which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to its Guarantee.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (1) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company) 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 of determination 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, joint venture or limited liability company of which (x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general and limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership interests or otherwise, and (y) such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Subsidiary” shall mean a Subsidiary of the Issuer.
“Subsidiary Guarantee” means a Guarantee by a Subsidiary Guarantor.
“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture.
“Total Assets” means, as of any date, the total consolidated assets of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a pro forma basis in a manner consistent with the pro forma basis contained in the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.”
“Transactions” means (i) the Merger, the Escrow Merger, the payments of amounts payable by Forward and its Subsidiaries pursuant to the Merger Agreement and all other transactions contemplated by the terms of the Merger Agreement and the various other agreements and documents contemplated therein, (ii) the issuance of the Notes, (iii) the entering into and borrowing of loans under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement in connection with the Merger, (iv) the refinancing of certain of Xxxx’s and Forward’s existing Indebtedness substantially concurrently with the Merger and (v) the payment of fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.
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“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Note, as of the applicable redemption date, as determined by the Issuer, the yield to maturity as of such redemption date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such 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 such redemption date to October 15, 2026; provided, however, that if the period from such redemption date to October 15, 2026, as applicable, is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.
“Trustee” means the party named as such in the preamble to this Indenture until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and, thereafter, means the successor serving hereunder.
“UCC” or “Uniform Commercial Code” means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any successor statute) as in effect from time to time in the relevant jurisdiction.
“Ultimate Issuer” means Clue Opco LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Forward.
“Unrestricted Subsidiary” at any time, means:
(1) any Subsidiary of the Issuer that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of the Issuer in the manner provided below; and
(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
The Issuer may designate any Subsidiary of the Issuer (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary of the Issuer) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless at the time of such designation such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on any property of, the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated, in each case at the time of such designation; provided, however, that the Subsidiary to be so designated and its Subsidiaries do not at the time of designation have and do not thereafter Incur any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries unless otherwise permitted under Section 4.04; provided, further, however, that either:
(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated has total consolidated assets of $1,000 or less; or
(b) if such Subsidiary has consolidated assets greater than $1,000, then such designation would be permitted under Section 4.04.
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The Issuer may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation:
(x) (1) the Issuer could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.03(a) or (2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Issuer would be no less than such ratio immediately prior to such designation, in each case on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation, and
(y) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
“U.S. Government Obligations” means securities that are:
(1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or
(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America, the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in each case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligations or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligations held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligations or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the U.S. Government Obligations evidenced by such depository receipt.
“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 or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining installment of principal of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, including payment at final maturity, if applicable, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment (with the amount of any such required scheduled payment prior to the final maturity thereof to be determined disregarding the effect thereon of any prepayment made in respect of such Indebtedness); by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock.
“Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary” is any Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary.
“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares required pursuant to applicable law) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
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SECTION 1.02 Other Definitions.
Term |
Section | |
$ | 1.03(j) | |
Affiliate Transaction | 4.07(a) | |
Agent Members | Appendix A | |
Applicable Law | 13.21 | |
Asset Sale Offer | 4.06(b) | |
Authentication Order | 2.03 | |
Authorized Officer | 13.02 | |
Bankruptcy Law | 6.01 | |
bankruptcy provision | 6.01(f) | |
Change of Control Offer | 4.08(a) | |
Change of Control Payment Date | 4.08(a) | |
Company | Preamble | |
covenant defeasance option | 8.01(b) | |
cross-acceleration provision | 6.01(e) | |
Custodian | 6.01 | |
Declined Proceeds | 4.06(b) | |
Definitive Note | Appendix A | |
Directing Holder | 6.01 | |
Escrow Account | 11.01 | |
Escrow Conditions | 11.01 | |
Escrow Merger | 11.02 | |
Escrow Outside Date | 11.01 | |
Escrow Release | 11.02 | |
Escrow Release Officers’ Certificate | 11.02 | |
Event of Default | 6.01 | |
Excess Proceeds | 4.06(b) | |
Fall-Away Event | 4.16 | |
Fixed Amounts | 1.05 | |
Foreign Disposition | 4.06(g) | |
Global Notes | Appendix A | |
Global Notes Legend | Appendix A | |
Guaranteed Obligations | 12.01(a) | |
IAI | Appendix A | |
Increased Amount | 4.12(d) | |
Initial Notes | Preamble | |
Instructions | 13.02(c) | |
Judgment default provision | 6.01(g) | |
LCA Election | 1.04 | |
LCA Test Date | 1.04 | |
legal defeasance option | 8.01(b) | |
Noteholder Direction | 6.01 | |
Notes | Preamble | |
Notes Custodian | Appendix A |
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Term |
Section | |
Notice of Default | 6.01 | |
Offer Period | 4.06(d) | |
Paying Agent | 2.04(a) | |
Permitted Jurisdictions | 5.01(a) | |
Position Representation | 6.01 | |
Position Representation and Verification Form | 6.01 | |
protected purchaser | 2.08 | |
QIB | Appendix A | |
Refinancing Indebtedness | 4.03(b)(xv) | |
Refunding Capital Stock | 4.04(b)(ii) | |
Registrar | 2.04(a) | |
Regulation S | Appendix A | |
Regulation S Global Notes | Appendix A | |
Regulation S Notes | Appendix A | |
Regulation S Permanent Global Note | Appendix A | |
Regulation S Temporary Global Note | Appendix A | |
Relevant Transaction | 1.05 | |
Restricted Notes Legend | Appendix A | |
Restricted Payments | 4.04(a) | |
Restricted Period | Appendix A | |
Retired Capital Stock | 4.04(b)(ii) | |
Rule 144A | Appendix A | |
Rule 144A Global Notes | Appendix A | |
Rule 144A Notes | Appendix A | |
Rule 501 | Appendix A | |
Second Commitment | 4.06(b) | |
Signature Law | 13.12 | |
Special Mandatory Redemption | 3.09 | |
Special Mandatory Redemption Date | 3.09 | |
Special Mandatory Redemption Price | 3.09 | |
Special Termination Date | 3.09 | |
Successor Company | 5.01(a)(i) | |
Successor Guarantor | 5.01(b)(i) | |
Tax Distributions | 4.04(b)(xi) | |
Tax Group | 4.04(b)(xi) | |
Terminated Covenants | 4.16 | |
Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes | Appendix A | |
Transfer Restricted Global Notes | Appendix A | |
Transfer Restricted Notes | Appendix A | |
U.S. dollars | 1.03(j) | |
USA PATRIOT Act | 13.19 | |
Unrestricted Definitive Notes | Appendix A | |
Unrestricted Global Notes | Appendix A | |
Verification Covenant | 6.01 |
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SECTION 1.03 Rules of Construction.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;
(c) “or” is not exclusive;
(d) “including” means including without limitation;
(e) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;
(f) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinate or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely by virtue of its nature as unsecured Indebtedness;
(g) the principal amount of any non-interest bearing or other discount security at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the issuer dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP;
(h) the principal amount of any Preferred Stock shall be (i) the maximum liquidation value of such Preferred Stock or (ii) the maximum mandatory redemption or mandatory repurchase price with respect to such Preferred Stock, whichever is greater;
(i) unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP; and
(j) “$” and “U.S. dollars” each refer to United States dollars, or such other money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
SECTION 1.04 Limited Condition Acquisitions
In connection with any action being taken in connection with a Limited Condition Acquisition, for purposes of:
(a) determining compliance with any provision of this Indenture that requires the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio or the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio;
(b) determining whether a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or any subset of Defaults or Events of Default); or
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(c) testing availability under baskets, ratios or financial metrics under this Indenture (including those measured as a percentage of Consolidated EBITDA or Fixed Charges or by reference to Cumulative Credit);
in each case, at the option of the Issuer (the election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Acquisition, an “LCA Election”), with such option to be exercised on or prior to the date of execution of the definitive agreements or letter of intent, as applicable, with respect to such Limited Condition Acquisition, the date of determination of whether any such action is permitted under this Indenture shall be deemed to be the date of entry into the definitive agreements or letter of intent for such Limited Condition Acquisition (such date, the “LCA Test Date”), and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Acquisition and the other transactions to be entered into in connection therewith (including any Incurrence of Indebtedness or Liens and the use of proceeds thereof) as if they had occurred at the beginning of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Issuer ending prior to the LCA Test Date, the Issuer could have taken such action on the relevant LCA Test Date in compliance with such ratio, basket or financial metric, such ratio, basket or financial metric shall be deemed to have been complied with.
For the avoidance of doubt, if the Issuer has made an LCA Election and any of the ratios, baskets or financial metrics for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCA Test Date are exceeded or not complied with as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio, basket or financial metrics, including due to fluctuations in Fixed Charges, Consolidated Net Income, Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Issuer, the target company or the Person subject to such Limited Condition Acquisition, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such ratios, baskets or financial metrics will not be deemed to have been exceeded as a result of such fluctuations and such baskets, ratios or financial metrics shall not be tested at the consummation of the Limited Condition Acquisition except as contemplated in clause (a) of the immediately succeeding proviso; provided, however, that (a) if financial statements for one or more subsequent fiscal quarters shall have become available, the Issuer may elect, in its sole discretion, to re-determine all such baskets, ratios and financial metrics on the basis of such financial statements, in which case such date of redetermination shall thereafter be deemed to be the applicable LCA Test Date, (b) if any ratios or financial metrics improve or baskets increase as a result of such fluctuations, such improved ratios, financial metrics or baskets may be utilized and (c) Fixed Charges with respect to any Indebtedness expected to be Incurred in connection with such Limited Condition Acquisition will, for purposes of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, be calculated using an assumed interest rate based on the available documentation therefor, as determined by the Issuer in good faith. If the Issuer has made an LCA Election for any Limited Condition Acquisition, then, in connection with any subsequent calculation of the ratios, baskets or financial metrics on or following the relevant LCA Test Date and prior to the earlier of (i) the date on which such Limited Condition Acquisition is consummated or (ii) the date that the definitive agreement or letter of intent for such Limited Condition Acquisition is abandoned, terminated or expires without consummation of such Limited Condition Acquisition, any such ratio, basket or financial metric shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming such Limited Condition Acquisition and other transactions in connection therewith (including any Incurrence of Indebtedness or Liens and the use of proceeds thereof) have been consummated. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Issuer has exercised its option pursuant to the foregoing and any Default or Event of Default occurs following the LCA Test Date (including any new LCA Test Date) for the applicable Limited Condition Acquisition and prior to or on the date of the consummation of such Limited Condition Acquisition, any such Default or Event of Default shall be deemed not to have occurred or be continuing for purposes of determining whether any action being taken in connection with such Limited Condition Acquisition is permitted under this Indenture.
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SECTION 1.05 Certain Calculations
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein with respect to any amounts Incurred or transactions entered into (or consummated) in reliance on a provision of this Indenture under a restrictive covenant that does not require compliance with a financial ratio (including, without limitation, any Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio or Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio) (any such amounts, the “Fixed Amounts”) substantially concurrently with any amounts Incurred or transactions entered into (or consummated) in reliance on a provision of this Indenture that requires compliance with any such financial ratio (any such amounts, the “Incurrence Based Amounts”), in a single transaction or action or series of related transactions or actions (for the purposes of this paragraph, a “Relevant Transaction”), it is understood and agreed that the Fixed Amounts (and any cash proceeds thereof and the uses of such proceeds) shall be disregarded in the calculation of the financial ratio applicable to the Incurrence Based Amounts in connection with such Relevant Transaction.
ARTICLE II
THE NOTES
SECTION 2.01 Amount of Notes.
The aggregate principal amount of Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture on the Issue Date is $725,000,000 (the “Initial Notes”).
The Issuer may at any time and from time to time after the Issue Date issue Additional Notes under this Indenture in an unlimited principal amount, so long as (i) the Incurrence of the Indebtedness represented by such Additional Notes is at such time permitted by Section 4.03 (unless such issuance occurs during a Suspension Period) and the Liens securing such Additional Notes are at such time permitted by Section 4.12 and (ii) such Additional Notes are issued in compliance with the provisions set forth below. With respect to any Additional Notes issued after the Issue Date, there shall be (a) established in or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer and (b) (i) set forth or determined in the manner provided in an Officers’ Certificate or (ii) established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of such Additional Notes:
(1) | the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture; |
(2) | the issue price and issuance date of such Additional Notes, including the date from which interest on such Additional Notes shall accrue; and |
(3) | if applicable, that such Additional Notes shall be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Notes and, in such case, the respective depositaries for such Global Notes, the form of any legend or legends which shall be borne by such Global |
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Notes in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Exhibit A hereto and any circumstances in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in Section 2.2 of Appendix A in which any such Global Note may be exchanged in whole or in part for Additional Notes registered, or any transfer of such Global Note in whole or in part may be registered, in the name or names of Persons other than the depositary for such Global Note or a nominee thereof. |
If any of the terms of any Additional Notes are established by action taken pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers’ Certificate or an indenture supplemental hereto setting forth the terms of the Additional Notes.
The Initial Notes and any Additional Notes may, at the Issuer’s election, be treated as a single class of securities for all purposes under this Indenture, including, without limitation, with respect to waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase; provided that if the Additional Notes are not fungible with the Initial Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such Additional Notes will have a separate CUSIP and/or ISIN number.
For all purposes of this Indenture, references to the Notes include any Additional Notes actually issued.
SECTION 2.02 Form and Dating.
Provisions relating to the Notes are set forth in Appendix A, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The Initial Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall each be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule, agreements to which the Issuer or any Guarantor is subject, if any, or usage (provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Issuer). Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be issuable only in registered form without interest coupons and in denominations of $2,000 and any integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; provided that the Notes may be issued in denominations of less than $2,000 solely to accommodate book-entry positions that have been created by a DTC participant in denominations of less than $2,000.
SECTION 2.03 Execution and Authentication.
The Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery upon a written order of the Issuer signed by one Officer of the Issuer (an “Authentication Order”) (a) Initial Notes for original issue on the date hereof in an aggregate principal amount of $725,000,000 and (b) subject to the terms of this Indenture, Additional Notes in an aggregate principal amount to be determined at the time of issuance and specified therein. Such Authentication Order shall specify the amount of separate Note certificates to be authenticated, the principal amount of each of the Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated, the registered holder of each of the Notes and delivery instructions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or Appendix A, any issuance of Additional Notes after the Issue Date shall be in a principal amount of at least $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
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One Officer shall sign the Notes for the Issuer by manual or electronic (including PDF) signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Note shall be valid nevertheless.
A Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent as described immediately below) manually or electronically signs the certificate of authentication on the Note. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.
The Trustee may appoint one or more authenticating agents reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate the Notes. Any such appointment shall be evidenced by an instrument signed by the Trustee, a copy of which shall be furnished to the Issuer. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, 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 any Registrar, Paying Agent or agent for service of notices and demands.
SECTION 2.04 Registrar and Paying Agent.
(a) The Issuer shall maintain (i) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the “Registrar”) and (ii) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (the “Paying Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Issuer may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrars. The term “Paying Agent” includes the Paying Agent and any additional paying agents. The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee as Registrar, Paying Agent and the Notes Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.
(b) The Issuer may enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any such agent. If the Issuer fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.07. The Issuer or any of its wholly owned domestically organized Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
(c) The Issuer may remove any Registrar or Paying Agent upon written notice to such Registrar or Paying Agent and to the Trustee; provided, however, that no such removal shall become effective until (i) if applicable, acceptance of an appointment by a successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Issuer and such successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as Registrar or Paying Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (i) above. The Registrar or Paying Agent may resign at any time upon written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee; provided, however, that the Trustee may resign as Paying Agent or Registrar only if the Trustee also resigns as Trustee in accordance with Section 7.08.
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SECTION 2.05 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.
Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on each due date of the principal of and interest on the Notes, the Issuer shall deposit with each Paying Agent (or if the Issuer or any of its wholly owned domestically organized Subsidiaries is acting as Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto) a sum sufficient to pay such principal and interest when so becoming due. The Issuer shall require each Paying Agent (other than the Trustee) to agree in writing that a Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of holders or the Trustee all money held by a Paying Agent for the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes, and shall notify the Trustee in writing of any default by the Issuer in making any such payment. If the Issuer or any of its wholly owned domestically organized Subsidiaries acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto. The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by such Paying Agent. Upon complying with this Section 2.05, a Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee.
SECTION 2.06 Holder Lists.
The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of holders. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish, or cause the Registrar to furnish, to the Trustee, in writing at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of holders.
SECTION 2.07 Transfer and Exchange.
The Notes shall be issued in registered form and shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Note for registration of transfer and in compliance with Appendix A. When a Note is presented to the Registrar with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar shall register the transfer as requested if its requirements (including, among other things, the furnishing of appropriate endorsements and transfer documents) therefor 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. To permit registration of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Notes at the Registrar’s request. The Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to pay all taxes, assessments or other governmental charges in connection with any transfer or exchange pursuant to this Section 2.07. The Issuer shall not be required to make, and the Registrar need not register, transfers or exchanges of any Notes selected for redemption (except, in the case of Notes to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed) or of any Notes for a period of 15 days before the sending of a notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed.
Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest, if any, on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
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Any holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note shall, by acceptance of such beneficial interest, agree that transfers of beneficial interests in such Global Note may be effected only through a book-entry system maintained by (a) the holder of such Global Note (or its agent) or (b) any holder of a beneficial interest in such Global Note, and that ownership of a beneficial interest in such Global Note shall be required to be reflected in a book entry.
All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among DTC participants or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.
None of the Trustee, Registrar or Paying Agent shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by DTC.
SECTION 2.08 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 Issuer 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 (a) satisfies the Issuer and the Trustee within a reasonable time after such holder has notice of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking and the Registrar does not register a transfer prior to receiving such notification, (b) makes such request to the Issuer and 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 (c) satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Issuer and the Trustee. Such holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee, with respect to the Trustee, and the Issuer, with respect to the Issuer, to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar, as applicable, from any loss or liability that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced and subsequently presented or claimed for payment. The Issuer and the Trustee may charge the holder for their expenses in replacing a Note (including without limitation, attorneys’ fees and disbursements in replacing such Note). In the event any such mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuer 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 Issuer.
The provisions of this Section 2.08 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.
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SECTION 2.09 Outstanding Notes.
Notes outstanding at any time are all Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation and those described in this Section 2.09 as not outstanding. Subject to Section 13.06, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer holds the Note.
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08 (other than a mutilated Note surrendered for replacement), it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Issuer receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser. A mutilated Note ceases to be outstanding upon surrender of such Note and replacement thereof pursuant to Section 2.08.
If a Paying Agent segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a redemption date or maturity date money sufficient to pay all principal and interest payable on that date with respect to the Notes (or portions thereof) to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, and no Paying Agent is prohibited from paying such money to the holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then on and after that date such Notes (or portions thereof) cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.
SECTION 2.10 Cancellation.
The Issuer at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and each Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation and shall dispose of canceled Notes in accordance with its customary procedures. The Issuer may not issue new Notes to replace Notes they have redeemed, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation. The Trustee shall not authenticate Notes in place of canceled Notes other than pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
SECTION 2.11 Defaulted Interest.
If the Issuer defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, the Issuer shall pay the defaulted interest then borne by the Notes (plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful) in any lawful manner. The Issuer may pay the defaulted interest to the Persons who are holders on a subsequent special record date. The Issuer shall fix or cause to be fixed any such special record date and payment date to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee and shall promptly deliver or cause to be delivered to each affected holder a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest to be paid.
SECTION 2.12 CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, Etc.
The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP numbers and ISINs, and the Trustee shall use any such CUSIP numbers and ISINs in notices of redemption 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, that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes and that any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuer shall advise the Trustee in writing of any change in any such CUSIP numbers and ISINs.
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SECTION 2.13 Calculation of Principal Amount of Notes.
The aggregate principal amount of the Notes, at any date of determination, shall be the principal amount of the Notes at such date of determination. With respect to any matter requiring consent, waiver, approval or other action of the holders of a specified percentage of the principal amount of all the Notes, such percentage shall be calculated, on the relevant date of determination, by dividing (a) the principal amount, as of such date of determination, of Notes, the holders of which have so consented, by (b) the aggregate principal amount, as of such date of determination, of the Notes then outstanding, in each case, as determined in accordance with the preceding sentence, and Section 13.06 of this Indenture. Any calculation of the Applicable Premium made pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall be made by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate.
ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION
SECTION 3.01 Optional Redemption.
The Notes may be redeemed at the Issuer’s option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, subject to the conditions and at the redemption prices set forth in Paragraph 5 on the reverse side of the applicable Note, which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Indenture.
SECTION 3.02 Applicability of Article.
Redemption of Notes at the election of the Issuer or otherwise, as permitted or required by any provision of this Indenture, shall be made in accordance with such provision and this Article III.
SECTION 3.03 Notices to Trustee.
If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.01, the Issuer shall notify the Trustee in an Officers’ Certificate of (i) the Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price. The Issuer shall give notice to the Trustee provided for in this paragraph at least 10 days (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee) but not more than 60 days before a redemption date if the redemption is a redemption pursuant to Section 3.01. The Issuer may also include a request in such Officers’ Certificate that the Trustee give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at its expense and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in Section 3.05. Any such notice may be canceled if written notice from the Issuer of such cancellation is actually received by the Trustee on the Business Day immediately prior to notice of such redemption being mailed to any holder or otherwise delivered in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC and shall thereby be void and of no effect.
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SECTION 3.04 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.
In the case of any partial redemption of Notes, selection of Notes for redemption will be made in such manner that complies with the requirements of DTC; provided that no Notes of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. The Notes to be selected shall be selected from outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption. Notes and portions of them that are selected for redemption shall be in amounts of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption. In the event of a partial redemption of any Notes represented by Definitive Notes, the Trustee shall notify the Issuer promptly of the Notes or portions of Notes to be redeemed.
SECTION 3.05 Notice of Optional Redemption.
(a) At least 10, but not more than 60 days before a redemption date pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the reverse side of the Note, the Issuer shall mail or cause to be mailed by first-class mail, or delivered electronically if held by DTC, a notice of redemption to each holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address (with a copy to the Trustee), except that redemption notices may be mailed or otherwise delivered more than 60 days prior to the redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture pursuant to Article VIII.
Any such notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state:
(i) the redemption date and any conditions precedent to such redemption;
(ii) the redemption price and the amount of accrued interest to, but excluding, the redemption date;
(iii) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(iv) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest;
(v) if fewer than all the outstanding Notes are to be redeemed, the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be outstanding after such partial redemption;
(vi) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment or the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, interest on Notes (or portion thereof) called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
(vii) the CUSIP number and/or ISIN, if any, printed on the Notes being redeemed;
(viii) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number or ISIN, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes; and
(ix) the Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur.
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(b) Notice of any redemption of Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of a transaction (including an Equity Offering, an Incurrence of Indebtedness, a Change of Control or other transaction) and any redemption notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Issuer) of one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of a related transaction. If such redemption is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied (or waived), or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied (or waived) by the redemption date, or by the redemption date as so delayed. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person. If any such condition precedent has not been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer), the Issuer shall provide written notice to the Trustee on or prior to the redemption date. Upon receipt, the Trustee shall provide such notice to each holder in the same manner in which the notice of redemption was given. Upon receipt of such notice by holders, the notice of redemption shall be rescinded or delayed, and the redemption of the Notes shall be rescinded or delayed, in each case as provided in such notice.
(c) At the Issuer’s request in an Officers’ Certificate, the Trustee shall deliver the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense on the date specified in such request. In such event, the Issuer shall notify the Trustee of such request at least two days (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee) prior to the date such notice is to be provided to holders. Such notice may not be canceled once delivered to holders of Notes.
SECTION 3.06 Effect of Notice of Redemption.
Once notice of redemption is mailed or otherwise delivered in accordance with Section 3.05(a), Notes called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price stated in the notice, except as provided in the final paragraph of Paragraph 5 of the reverse side of the applicable Notes. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, such Notes shall be paid at the redemption price stated in the notice, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date; provided, however, that if the redemption date is after a regular Record Date and on or prior to the next Interest Payment Date, the accrued interest shall be payable to the holder of the redeemed Notes registered on the relevant Record Date. Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any holder shall not affect the validity of the notice to any other holder.
SECTION 3.07 Deposit of Redemption Price.
With respect to any Notes, prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the redemption date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if the Issuer or any of its wholly owned domestically organized Subsidiaries is the Paying Agent, shall segregate and hold in trust) money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued and unpaid interest on all Notes or portions thereof to be redeemed on that date other than Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption that have been delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee for cancellation prior to such redemption date. On and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption so long as the Issuer has deposited with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the redemption price of, plus accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes or portions thereof to be redeemed, unless the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
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SECTION 3.08 Notes Redeemed in Part.
If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption relating to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. If any Definitive Note is to be redeemed in part only, upon surrender and cancellation of such Note, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate for the holder (at the Issuer’s expense) a new Definitive Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of such Note surrendered and cancelled. If any Global Note is to be redeemed in part only, the records of the Trustee shall reflect such decrease in the principal amount of such Global Note.
SECTION 3.09 Special Mandatory Redemption.
(a) In the event that (i) the Escrow Outside Date occurs and the Escrow Agent shall not have received the Escrow Release Officers’ Certificate on or prior to such date or (ii) Forward issues a press release indicating that the Merger shall not be consummated on or prior to the Escrow Outside Date (or at all) (the date of any such event in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being the “Special Termination Date”), the Escrow Issuer shall redeem the Notes (the “Special Mandatory Redemption”) at a price (the “Special Mandatory Redemption Price”) equal to 100% of the initial issue price of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes to, but excluding, the Special Mandatory 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. If, on the Special Termination Date, the aggregate value of the Escrowed Property is less than the amount required to pay the Special Mandatory Redemption Price for all of the Notes, Forward shall be required to deposit or cause to be deposited into the Escrow Account an amount in cash equal to such shortfall so that the Escrowed Property shall be sufficient to pay the Special Mandatory Redemption Price for all of the Notes. For the avoidance of doubt, the Escrow Issuer shall not be required to effect a Special Mandatory Redemption following the Escrow Release.
(b) Notice of the Special Mandatory Redemption shall be delivered jointly by Forward and the Issuer no later than one Business Day following the Special Termination Date, to the Trustee, the holders and the Escrow Agent, and shall provide that the Notes shall be redeemed on a date that is no later than the third Business Day after such notice is given by Forward and the Issuer (the “Special Mandatory Redemption Date”) in accordance with the terms of this Indenture or otherwise in accordance with the applicable procedures of DTC. The Escrow Agreement shall provide that, if a Special Termination Date occurs, the Escrow Agent shall, on or prior to the Special Mandatory Redemption Date, release all Escrowed Property to the Trustee for payment to each holder of Notes the Special Mandatory Redemption Price for such holder’s Notes. The Trustee shall deliver any excess Escrowed Property (if any) to Forward substantially concurrently with the payment of the Special Mandatory Redemption Price to the holders of the Notes. Upon the deposit of funds sufficient to pay the Special Mandatory Redemption Price in respect of the Notes to be redeemed on the Special Mandatory Redemption Date with the Trustee on or before the Special Mandatory Redemption Date, the Notes shall cease to bear interest and all rights under the Notes shall terminate (other than the right to receive the applicable Special Mandatory Redemption Price).
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(c) The Escrow Agreement shall provide that, in the event that the first interest payment date in respect of the Notes occurs prior to the earlier to occur of the Escrow Release Date and the Special Termination Date, the Escrow Agent shall release to the Trustee an amount of the Escrowed Property sufficient to fund the payment of interest required to be paid in respect of the Notes on such interest payment date.
(d) Upon the Escrow Release, this Section 3.09 will cease to apply.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
SECTION 4.01 Payment of Notes.
The Issuer shall promptly pay the principal of and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and in this Indenture. An installment of principal of or interest shall be considered paid on the date due if on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds as of 3:00 p.m., New York City time, money sufficient to pay all principal and interest then due and the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, is not prohibited from paying such money to the holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified therefor in the Notes, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate borne by the Notes to the extent lawful.
SECTION 4.02 Reports and Other Information.
(a) From and after the Escrow Merger, notwithstanding that the Issuer may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, the Issuer shall file with the SEC (and upon written request provide the Trustee and holders with copies thereof, without cost to each holder, within 5 days after receipt of such request):
(i) within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations for non-accelerated filers, annual reports on Form 10-K (or any successor or comparable form) containing the information required to be contained therein (or required in such successor or comparable form), except to the extent permitted to be excluded by the SEC;
(ii) within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations for non-accelerated filers (except for any delay permitted by Rule 13a-13(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act), reports on Form 10-Q (or any successor or comparable form) containing the information required to be contained therein (or required in such successor or comparable form), except to the extent permitted to be excluded by the SEC; and
(iii) within 15 days after the date of filing that would have been required for a current report on Form 8-K, such other reports on Form 8-K (or any successor or comparable form) (if the Issuer were required to prepare and file such form) pursuant to Item 1.03 (Bankruptcy or Receivership), 2.01 (Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets) or 5.01 (Changes in
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Control of Registrant) of such form (and in any event excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the financial statements, pro forma financial information and exhibits, if any, that would be required by Item 9.01 (Financial Statements and Exhibits) of such form;
provided, however, that the Issuer shall not be so obligated to file such reports with the SEC if the SEC does not permit such filing, in which event the Issuer shall make available such information to prospective purchasers of the Notes in addition to providing such information to the Trustee and the holders, in each case, within the time the Issuer would be required to file such information with the SEC if it were subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as provided above; provided, further, that such reports shall not be required to contain the financial information contemplated by Rule 3-10 or Rule 3-16 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC (or any successor provision). In addition to providing such information to the Trustee, the Issuer shall make available to the holders, prospective investors, market makers affiliated with any initial purchaser of the Notes and securities analysts the information required to be provided pursuant to clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, by posting such information to its website or on IntraLinks or any comparable online data system or any website, it being understood that the Trustee shall have no responsibility to determine if such information has been posted on any website.
If the Issuer has designated any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary and if any such Unrestricted Subsidiary or group of Unrestricted Subsidiaries, if taken together as one Subsidiary, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Issuer, then the annual and quarterly information required by clauses (i) and (ii) of the first paragraph of this Section 4.02(a) shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, of the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of such Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
(b) In the event that:
(i) the rules and regulations of the SEC permit the Issuer and any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer to report at such parent entity’s level on a consolidated basis and such parent entity is not engaged in any business in any material respect other than incidental to its ownership, directly or indirectly, of the capital stock of the Issuer, or
(ii) any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer is or becomes a Guarantor of the Notes,
consolidated reporting at such parent entity’s level in a manner consistent with that described in this Section 4.02 for the Issuer will satisfy this Section 4.02, and the Issuer is permitted to satisfy its obligations in this Section 4.02 with respect to financial information relating to the Issuer by furnishing financial information relating to such direct or indirect parent; provided that in the event such direct or indirect parent is not a Guarantor, such financial information is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such direct or indirect parent and any of its Subsidiaries other than the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Issuer and its Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.
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(c) In addition, the Issuer will make such information available to prospective investors upon request. In addition, the Issuer shall, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding during any period when it is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or otherwise permitted to furnish the SEC with certain information pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) of the Exchange Act, furnish to the holders of the Notes and to prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuer will be deemed to have furnished the reports referred to in this Section 4.02 to the Trustee and the holders if the Issuer has filed such reports with the SEC via the XXXXX filing system (or any successor thereto) and such reports are publicly available, it being understood that the Trustee shall have no responsibility to determine if such information has been posted on any website.
(e) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates), and the Trustee shall have no liability or responsibility for the filing, timeliness, or content of any such report.
SECTION 4.03 Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.
From and after the Escrow Merger,
(a) (i) The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue any shares of Disqualified Stock; and (ii) the Issuer shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than any Subsidiary Guarantor) to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Issuer and any Subsidiary Guarantor may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock, and any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), issue shares of Disqualified Stock or issue shares of Preferred Stock, in each case if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Issuer for the 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 2.00 to 1.00 determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been Incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period; provided, that, the amount of Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock that may be Incurred or issued, as applicable, pursuant to the foregoing by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors, together with all Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xii) and (xvi)(A) below, together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, shall not exceed, in the aggregate, the greater of $330 million and 60% of Consolidated EBITDA as of the date on which such Indebtedness is Incurred (plus, in the case of any Refinancing Indebtedness, the Additional Refinancing Amount).
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(b) The limitations set forth in Section 4.03(a) will not apply to:
(i) the Incurrence of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and Guarantees in respect of such Indebtedness and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof); provided that, immediately after giving effect to any such Incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness Incurred under this clause (i) and outstanding at the time of such Incurrence (without duplication for Guarantees of such Indebtedness) does not exceed the sum of (1) $1,525 million plus (2) the greater of (x) $275 million and (y) 50% of Consolidated EBITDA as of the date of such Incurrence, plus (3) (x) if such Indebtedness constitutes Pari Passu Lien Obligations, at the time of such Incurrence, an amount equal to the maximum principal amount of such Indebtedness that could be Incurred such that after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness, and the use of proceeds thereof, on a pro forma basis, the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio of the Issuer for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available would not exceed 2.80 to 1.00, (y) if such Indebtedness is secured by Junior Priority Liens, at the time of such Incurrence, an amount equal to the maximum principal amount of such Indebtedness that could be Incurred such that after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness, and the use of proceeds thereof, on a pro forma basis, the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio of the Issuer for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available would not exceed 3.30 to 1.00 or (z) if such Indebtedness is unsecured, at the time of such Incurrence, an amount equal to the maximum principal amount of such Indebtedness that could be Incurred such that after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness, and the use of proceeds thereof, on a pro forma basis, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio of the Issuer for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available would not exceed 3.30 to 1.00;
(ii) the Incurrence by the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the Notes (other than Additional Notes) and the Subsidiary Guarantees thereof;
(iii) Indebtedness, Preferred Stock and Disqualified Stock outstanding on the Completion Date (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 4.03(b));
(iv) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations) Incurred by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, Disqualified Stock issued by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and Preferred Stock issued by any Restricted Subsidiary to finance (whether prior to or within 270 days after) the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) that, when aggregated with the principal amount or liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause (iv), together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to clause (xv) below, does not exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of $275 million and 50% of Consolidated EBITDA as of the date such Indebtedness is Incurred (plus, in the case of any Refinancing Indebtedness, the Additional Refinancing Amount);
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(v) Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (i) constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bank guarantees issued in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other benefits to employees or former employees or their families or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance, and letters of credit in connection with the maintenance of, or pursuant to the requirements of, environmental law or permits or licenses from governmental authorities, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims or(ii) represented by cash-collateralized letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business;
(vi) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of acquisition or purchase price or similar obligations (including earn-outs), in each case, Incurred or assumed in connection with any Investments or any acquisition or disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary not prohibited by this Indenture, other than guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;
(vii) Indebtedness of the Issuer to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (except in respect of intercompany current liabilities Incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management, tax and accounting operations of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries), any such Indebtedness owed to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations of the Issuer under the Notes; provided, further, that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien but not the transfer thereof upon foreclosure) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (vii);
(viii) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary that holds such shares of Preferred Stock of another Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an issuance of shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause (viii);
(ix) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, except in respect of intercompany current liabilities Incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management, tax and accounting operations of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, any such Indebtedness owed by a Subsidiary Guarantor to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor is subordinated in right of payment to the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor; provided, further, that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any Restricted Subsidiary holding such Indebtedness ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien but not the transfer thereof upon foreclosure) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (ix);
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(x) Hedging Obligations that are not Incurred for speculative purposes but (A) for the purpose of fixing or hedging interest rate risk with respect to any Indebtedness that is permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be outstanding; (B) for the purpose of fixing or hedging currency exchange rate risk with respect to any currency exchanges; or (C) for the purpose of fixing or hedging commodity price risk with respect to any commodity purchases or sales and, in each case, extensions or replacements thereof;
(xi) obligations (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit, bank guarantees, warehouse receipts and similar instruments) in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds, completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice or industry practice;
(xii) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, which when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause (xii), together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to clause (xv) below, does not exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of $330 million and 60% of Consolidated EBITDA as of the date such Indebtedness is Incurred (plus, in the case of any Refinancing Indebtedness, the Additional Refinancing Amount) (it being understood that any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xii) shall cease to be deemed Incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (xii) but shall be deemed Incurred for purposes of Section 4.03(a) from and after the first date on which the Issuer, or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, could have Incurred such Indebtedness under Section 4.03(a) without reliance upon this clause (xii)); provided, that, the amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock that may be Incurred or issued, as applicable, pursuant to this clause (xii) by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors, together with all Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant or clause (xvi)(A) below, and any Refinancing Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors Incurred in respect thereof, shall not exceed at any one time outstanding, in the aggregate, the greater of $330 million and 60% of Consolidated EBITDA (plus, in the case of any Refinancing Indebtedness, the Additional Refinancing Amount);
(xiii) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference at any time outstanding, together with Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to clause (xv) below, not greater than 100% of the net cash proceeds received by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries since immediately after the Completion Date from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent (which proceeds are contributed to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) or cash contributed to the capital of the Issuer (in each case other than proceeds of Disqualified Stock or sales of Equity Interests to, or contributions received from, the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries) to the extent such net cash
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proceeds or cash have not been applied to make Restricted Payments or to make other Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to Section 4.04(b) or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1) and (3) of the definition thereof) (plus, in the case of any Refinancing Indebtedness, the Additional Refinancing Amount) (it being understood that any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (xiii) shall cease to be deemed Incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (xiii) but shall be deemed incurred for the purposes of Section 4.03(a) from and after the first date on which the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, could have Incurred such Indebtedness under Section 4.03(a) without reliance upon this clause (xiii));
(xiv) any guarantee by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other Obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the Incurrence of such Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of this Indenture; provided that (A) if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, any such guarantee with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantee, as applicable, substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantee, as applicable, and (B) if such guarantee is of Indebtedness of the Issuer, such guarantee is Incurred in accordance with, or not in contravention of, Section 4.11 solely to the extent Section 4.11 is applicable;
(xv) the Incurrence by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, or by any Restricted Subsidiary of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, that serves to refund, refinance or defease any Indebtedness Incurred or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued as permitted under Section 4.03(a) and clauses (3), (ii), (iii), (iv), (xii), (xiii), (xv), (xvi), (xx) and (xxiv) of this Section 4.03(b) up to the outstanding principal amount (or, if applicable, the liquidation preference, face amount, or the like) or, if greater, committed amount (only to the extent the committed amount could have been Incurred on the date of initial Incurrence and was deemed Incurred at such time for the purposes of this Section 4.03) of such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, in each case at the time such Indebtedness was Incurred or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock was issued pursuant to Section 4.03(a) or clauses (i)(3), (ii), (iii), (iv), (xii), (xiii), (xv), (xvi), (xx) and (xxiv) of this Section 4.03(b), or any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred to so refund or refinance such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, plus any additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred to pay premiums (including tender premiums), accrued and unpaid interest, expenses, defeasance costs and fees in connection therewith (subject to the following proviso, “Refinancing Indebtedness”) prior to its respective maturity; provided, however, that such Refinancing Indebtedness:
(1) has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred which is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being refunded, refinanced or defeased (provided that this subclause (1) will not apply to any refunding or refinancing of any (I) Secured Indebtedness or (II) Indebtedness of non-Guarantors);
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(2) to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances (a) Indebtedness junior in right of payment to the Notes or a Guarantee, as applicable, such Refinancing Indebtedness is junior in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantee, as applicable, or (b) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness is Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock;
(3) shall not include (x) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor that refinances Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor, or (y) Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary;
(xvi) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (A) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary Incurred to finance an acquisition or (B) Persons that are acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or are merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture (so long as such Indebtedness is not Incurred in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation); provided that after giving effect to such acquisition or merger, consolidation or amalgamation, the Issuer would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.03(a);
provided that the amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock that may be Incurred or issued, as applicable, pursuant to clause (xvi)(A) by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors, together with all Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors pursuant the first paragraph of this covenant or clause (xii) above, together with any Refinancing Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors Incurred in respect thereof, shall not exceed at any one time outstanding, in the aggregate, the greater of $330 million and 60% of Consolidated EBITDA (plus, in the case of any Refinancing Indebtedness, the Additional Refinancing Amount);
(xvii) [Reserved];
(xviii) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its Incurrence;
(xix) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary supported by a letter of credit or bank guarantee, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;
(xx) Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer that are not Guarantors not to exceed at any one time outstanding (together with any Refinancing Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors Incurred in respect thereof pursuant to clause (xv) above) the greater of $165 million and 30% of Consolidated EBITDA as of the date on which such Indebtedness is Incurred (plus, in the case of any Refinancing Indebtedness, the Additional Refinancing Amount);
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(xxi) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of (A) the financing of insurance premiums or (B) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(xxii) Indebtedness consisting of Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary to current or former officers, directors and employees thereof or any direct or indirect parent thereof, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent to the extent described in Section 4.04(b)(iv);
(xxiii) Indebtedness in respect of Obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to pay the deferred purchase price of goods or services or progress payments in connection with such goods and services; provided that such Obligations are Incurred in connection with open accounts extended by suppliers on customary trade terms in the ordinary course of business and not in connection with the borrowing of money or any Hedging Obligations;
(xxiv) Indebtedness under asset-level financings, Capitalized Lease Obligations and purchase money indebtedness incurred by any Foreign Subsidiary, in each case in the ordinary course of business; provided that the amount of Indebtedness outstanding under this Section 4.03(b)(xxiv), together with any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(xv) shall not exceed at any one time outstanding, in the aggregate, the greater of $5 million and 1% of Consolidated EBITDA (plus, in the case of any Refinancing Indebtedness, the Additional Refinancing Amount); and
(xxv) Indebtedness consisting of Qualified Securitization Financings in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any one time outstanding the greater of $140 million and 25% of Consolidated EBITDA;
provided that any Indebtedness owed to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations of the Issuer under the Notes.
(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.03:
(1) in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of permitted Indebtedness described in clauses (i) through (xxv) of Section 4.03(b) above or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03(a), then the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify, or later divide, classify or reclassify (as if Incurred at such later time), such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this Section 4.03; provided that Indebtedness outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement on or prior to the Completion Date shall be Incurred under clause (i) of Section 4.03(b) above and may not be reclassified;
(2) at the time of Incurrence, the Issuer will be entitled to divide and classify an item of Indebtedness in more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in Section 4.03(a) or clauses (i) through (xxv) of Section 4.03(b) (or any portion thereof)
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without giving pro forma effect to the Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to any other clause or paragraph of Section 4.03 (or any portion thereof) when calculating the amount of Indebtedness that may be Incurred pursuant to any such clause or paragraph (or any portion thereof); and
(3) in connection with the Incurrence (including with respect to any Incurrence on a revolving basis pursuant to a revolving loan commitment) of any Indebtedness under Section 4.03(a), Section 4.03(b)(i)(3) or Section 4.03(b)(xvi), the Issuer or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary may, by notice to the Trustee at any time prior to the actual Incurrence of such Indebtedness designate such Incurrence as having occurred on the date of such prior notice, and any related subsequent actual Incurrence will be deemed for all purposes under this Indenture to have been Incurred on the date of such prior notice.
Accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value, the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, amortization of original issue discount, the accretion of liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this Section 4.03. Guarantees of, or Obligations in respect of letters of credit relating to, Indebtedness which is otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included in the determination of such amount of Indebtedness; provided that the Incurrence of the Indebtedness represented by such guarantee or letter of credit, as the case may be, was in compliance with this Section 4.03.
For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed or first Incurred (whichever yields the lower U.S. dollar equivalent), in the case of revolving credit debt. However, if the Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and the refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of the refinancing, the U.S. dollar-denominated restriction will be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of the Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness being refinanced.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.03, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur pursuant to this Section 4.03 shall not be deemed to be exceeded, with respect to any outstanding Indebtedness, solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, will be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which the respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of the refinancing.
This Section 4.03 shall not apply during a Suspension Period.
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SECTION 4.04 Limitation on Restricted Payments.
(a) From and after the Escrow Merger, the Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
(i) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on account of any of the Issuer’s or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests, including any payment made in connection with any merger, amalgamation or consolidation involving the Issuer (other than (A) dividends or distributions payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer; and (B) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities);
(ii) purchase or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent;
(iii) make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, in each case prior to any scheduled repayment or scheduled maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer, or any Subsidiary Guarantor (other than the payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement of (A) Subordinated Indebtedness in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement and (B) Indebtedness permitted under clauses (vii) and (ix) of Section 4.03(b)); or
(iv) make any Restricted Investment;
(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as “Restricted Payments”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:
(1) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;
(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis, the Issuer could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under Section 4.03(a); and
(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries after the Completion Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (vi)(C) and (xii)(B) of Section 4.04(b), but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.04(b)), is less than the amount equal to the Cumulative Credit.
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(b) The provisions of Section 4.04(a) shall not prohibit:
(i) the payment of any dividend or distribution or the consummation of any irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration or the giving notice of such irrevocable redemption, as applicable, such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;
(ii) (A) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“Retired Capital Stock”) or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer, any Parent or any Subsidiary Guarantor in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of, the substantially concurrent sale of, Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent or contributions to the equity capital of the Issuer (other than any Disqualified Stock or any Equity Interests sold to a Subsidiary of the Issuer) (collectively, including any such contributions, “Refunding Capital Stock”);
(B) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Retired Capital Stock out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Issuer) of Refunding Capital Stock; and
(C) if immediately prior to the retirement of Retired Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted under clause (vi) of this Section 4.04(b) and not made pursuant to clause (ii)(B), the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of any Parent) in an aggregate amount per year no greater than the aggregate amount of dividends per annum that were declarable and payable on such Retired Capital Stock immediately prior to such retirement;
(iii) the redemption, repurchase, defeasance, or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, (x) Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer or any Parent or (y) new Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor, which in the case of this clause (y) is Incurred in accordance with Section 4.03, so long as:
(A) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such new Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable), plus any accrued and unpaid interest, of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, defeased, acquired or retired for value (plus the amount of any premium required to be paid under the terms of the instrument governing the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired, any tender premiums, plus any defeasance costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith);
(B) such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or the related Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so purchased, exchanged, redeemed, repurchased, defeased, acquired or retired for value;
(C) such Indebtedness has a final scheduled maturity date equal to or later than the earlier of (x) the final scheduled maturity date of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired and (y) 91 days following the last maturity date of any Notes then outstanding; and
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(D) such Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time Incurred which is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, defeased, acquired or retired;
(iv) a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition for value of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Parent held by any future, present or former employee, director, officer or consultant of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer or any Parent pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or other agreement or arrangement; provided, however, that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this clause (iv) do not exceed the greater of $10 million and 2% of Consolidated EBITDA in any calendar year, with unused amounts in any calendar year being permitted to be carried over to succeeding calendar years up to a maximum of $15 million and 3% of Consolidated EBITDA in any calendar year; provided, further, however, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:
(A) the cash proceeds received by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer or any Parent (to the extent contributed to the Issuer) to employees, directors, officers or consultants of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries or any Parent that occurs after the Completion Date (provided that the amount of such cash proceeds utilized for any such repurchase, retirement, other acquisition or dividend will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 4.04(a)(iii)), plus
(B) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Issuer or any Parent (to the extent contributed to the Issuer) or the Restricted Subsidiaries after the Completion Date;
provided that the Issuer may elect to apply all or any portion of the aggregate increase contemplated by clauses (A) and (B) above in any calendar year; and provided, further, that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from any present or former employees, directors, officers or consultants of the Issuer, any Restricted Subsidiary or the direct or indirect parents of the Issuer in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any of its direct or indirect parents will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 4.04 or any other provision of this Indenture;
(v) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary issued or Incurred in accordance with Section 4.03;
(vi) (A) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued after the Completion Date;
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(B) a Restricted Payment to any Parent, the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of any Parent issued after the Completion Date; provided that the aggregate amount of dividends declared and paid pursuant to this clause (B) does not exceed the net cash proceeds actually received by the Issuer from any such sale of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued after the Completion Date; and
(C) the declaration and payment of dividends on Refunding Capital Stock that is Preferred Stock in excess of the dividends declarable and payable thereon pursuant to Section 4.04(b)(ii);
provided, however, in the case of each of clauses (A) and (C) above of this clause (vi), that for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance (and the payment of dividends or distributions and treating such Designated Preferred Stock as Indebtedness for borrowed money for such purpose) on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), the Issuer would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00;
(vii) [Reserved].
(viii) Restricted Payments that are made with (or in an aggregate amount that does not exceed the aggregate amount of) Excluded Contributions;
(ix) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount, when taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (ix) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of $165 million and 30% of Consolidated EBITDA;
(x) the distribution, as a dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than to the extent substantially all of the assets of such Unrestricted Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, consist of cash or Cash Equivalents);
(xi) tax distributions made in accordance with the Opco LLCA (as defined in the Merger Agreement) (“Tax Distributions”);
(xii) any Restricted Payment, if applicable:
(A) in amounts required for any Parent to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with its reporting obligations under, or in connection with compliance with, applicable laws or applicable rules of any governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory body or stock exchange, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument relating to Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, including in respect of any reports filed with respect to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or the respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
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(B) in amounts required for any Parent to pay fees and expenses (including franchise or similar taxes) required to maintain its corporate existence, customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, officers and employees of any Parent and general corporate operating and overhead expenses of any Parent, in each case, to the extent such fees and expenses are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Issuer, if applicable, and its Subsidiaries;
(C) in amounts required for any Parent to pay indemnification obligations owed by any such Parent to directors, officers, employees or other Persons under its charter or bylaws or pursuant to written agreements with or for the benefit of any such Person, or obligations in respect of director and officer insurance (including premiums therefor);
(D) in amounts required for any Parent to pay other administrative and operational expenses of any such Parent incurred in the ordinary course of business, including fees and expenses incurred by any such Parent in connection with maintenance and implementation of any management equity incentive plan;
(E) in amounts required for any Parent, if applicable, to pay interest and/or principal on Indebtedness the proceeds of which have been contributed to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and that has been guaranteed by, or is otherwise considered Indebtedness of, the Issuer Incurred in accordance with Section 4.03;
(F) in amounts required for any Parent to pay fees and expenses related to any equity or debt offering of such Parent (whether or not successful); and
(G) in amounts required for any Parent to make payments required by the terms of the Tax Receivable Agreement (as defined in the Merger Agreement);
(xiii) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;
(xiv) purchases of Securitization Assets pursuant to a Securitization Repurchase Obligation in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing and the payment or distribution of Securitization Fees;
(xv) Restricted Payments by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to allow the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares upon the exercise of options or warrants or upon the conversion or exchange of Capital Stock of any such Person;
(xvi) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness pursuant to provisions similar to those described in Section 4.06 and Section 4.08; provided that all Notes tendered by holders of the Notes in connection with a Change of Control or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;
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(xvii) payments or distributions to dissenting stockholders pursuant to applicable law, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that complies with Section 5.01; provided that as a result of such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer of assets, the Issuer shall have made an offer in connection with a Change of Control (if required by this Indenture) and that all Notes tendered by holders in connection with such Change of Control have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;
(xviii) Restricted Payments by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to pay or to allow any Parent to pay (i) ordinary quarterly dividends on Forward’s common stock and on each of the Issuer’s and Forward’s Preferred Stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed $60 million in any fiscal year and (ii) annual cumulative dividends on each of Forward’s and the Issuer’s Preferred Stock issued in connection with the Transactions, at the Issuer’s option, (A) in cash in an aggregate amount not to exceed $150 million in any fiscal year or (B) in kind;
(xix) other Restricted Payments; provided that the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio of the Issuer for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available, determined on a pro forma basis, is less than 2.30 to 1.00; and
(xx) Restricted Payments attributable to, or arising or made in connection with the Transactions or used to fund payments required to be made in connection with the Transactions
provided, however, that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (vi)(B), (vii), (ix), (x), (xii)(B) and (xix) of this Section 4.04(b), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; provided, further, that any Restricted Payments made with property other than cash shall be calculated using the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of such property.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (w) no assets may be transferred to, and no other Investment made be made in, any Unrestricted Subsidiary other than pursuant to clause (21) of the definition of “Permitted Investments,” (x) no Restricted Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if, on the date of and after giving effect to such designation, such Unrestricted Subsidiary (or any Subsidiary thereof) would own (or hold an exclusive license with respect to) any Material Intellectual Property, (y) no Material Intellectual Property may be transferred (including by way of an exclusive license) to an existing Unrestricted Subsidiary and (z) no Unrestricted Subsidiary may, at any time, own (or hold an exclusive license with respect to) Material Intellectual Property.
(c) As of the Completion Date, all of the Subsidiaries of the Issuer will be Restricted Subsidiaries. For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investments.” Such designation will only be permitted if a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment in such amount would be permitted at such time and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
(d) This Section 4.04 shall not apply during a Suspension Period.
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SECTION 4.05 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries.
From and after the Escrow Merger, the Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction which prohibits or limits the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (1) on its Capital Stock; or (2) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits; or
(b) make loans or advances to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect parent of such Restricted Subsidiary;
except in each case for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:
(1) (i) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Completion Date and (ii) contractual encumbrances or restrictions pursuant to any Credit Agreement and any other Credit Agreement Documents and, in each case, similar contractual encumbrances effected by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of such agreements or instruments;
(2) this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements;
(3) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;
(4) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary which was in existence at the time of such acquisition (but not created in contemplation thereof or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired;
(5) contracts or agreements for the sale of assets, including any restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary;
(6) Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.03 and Section 4.12 that limits the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;
(7) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;
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(8) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(9) purchase money obligations for property acquired and Capitalized Lease Obligations in the ordinary course of business;
(10) customary provisions contained in leases, licenses and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(11) any encumbrance or restriction that restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract, or the assignment or transfer of any such lease, license (including, without limitation, licenses of intellectual property) or other contracts;
(12) any encumbrance or restriction of a Securitization Subsidiary effected in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; provided, however, that such restrictions apply only to such Securitization Subsidiary;
(13) other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (a) of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor or a Foreign Subsidiary or (b) of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor or a Foreign Subsidiary so long as such encumbrances and restrictions contained in any agreement or instrument will not materially affect the Issuer’s or any Subsidiary Guarantor’s ability to make anticipated principal or interest payments on the Notes (as determined in good faith by the Issuer), provided that in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b), such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is permitted to be Incurred subsequent to the Completion Date pursuant to Section 4.03;
(14) any Restricted Investment not prohibited by Section 4.04 and any Permitted Investment; or
(15) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in Section 4.05(a) or (b) above imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (1) through (14) above; provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Issuer, no more restrictive with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the dividend or other payment restrictions prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.05, (i) the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common stock shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make distributions on Capital Stock, and (ii) the subordination of loans or advances made to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary to other Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any such Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make loans or advances.
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This Section 4.05 shall not apply during a Suspension Period.
SECTION 4.06 Asset Sales.
(a) From and after the Escrow Merger, the Issuer will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, cause or make an Asset Sale, unless (x) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of, and (y) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of:
(i) any liabilities (as shown on the Issuer’s or a Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto) of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets or that are otherwise cancelled or terminated in connection with the transaction with such transferee,
(ii) any notes or other Obligations or other securities or assets received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash within 180 days of the receipt thereof (to the extent of the cash received),
(iii) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Asset Sale, to the extent that the Issuer and each other Restricted Subsidiary are released from any guarantee of payment of such Indebtedness in connection with such Asset Sale,
(iv) consideration consisting of Indebtedness of the Issuer (other than Subordinated Indebtedness) received after the Completion Date from Persons who are not the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, and
(v) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer), taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (v) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of $140 million and 25% of Consolidated EBITDA at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration (with the Fair Market Value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), shall, in each case, be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for the purposes of this Section 4.06(a).
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(b) Within 365 days after the Issuer’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s receipt of the Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale, the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary may apply an amount equal to the Net Proceeds from such Asset Sale, at its option:
(i) to repay (A) Pari Passu Lien Obligations (other than the Notes Obligations) (and, if the Indebtedness repaid is revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto), (B) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, (C) Notes Obligations or (D) Senior Indebtedness other than Pari Passu Lien Obligations to the extent such Net Proceeds are from an Asset Sale of assets that do not constitute Collateral; provided that if the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall so reduce Obligations under Senior Indebtedness under this clause (D), the Issuer will, on a pro rata basis, reduce Notes Obligations in accordance with Section 3.01, through open-market purchases (provided that such purchases are at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof or, in the event that the Notes were issued with significant original issue discount, at or above 100% of the accreted value thereof) or by making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer) to all holders of the Notes to purchase such holder’s Notes at a purchase price at or above 100% of the principal amount thereof (or, in the event that the Notes were issued with significant original issue discount, at or above 100% of the accreted value thereof), plus accrued and unpaid interest), in each case other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer; or
(ii) to make an investment in any one or more businesses (provided that if such investment is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock of a Person, such acquisition results in such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer), assets, or property or capital expenditures, in each case (A) used or useful in a Similar Business or (B) that replace the properties and assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale or to reimburse the cost of any of the foregoing incurred on or after the date on which the Asset Sale giving rise to such Net Proceeds was contractually committed.
In the case of Section 4.06(b)(ii), a binding commitment shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Proceeds from the date of such commitment until the 18-month anniversary of the date of the receipt of such Net Proceeds; provided that in the event such binding commitment is later canceled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are so applied, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds unless the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into another binding commitment (a “Second Commitment”) within six months of such cancellation or termination of the prior binding commitment; provided, further, that the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary may only enter into a Second Commitment under the foregoing provision one time with respect to each Asset Sale and to the extent such Second Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before such Net Proceeds are applied or are not applied within 180 days of such Second Commitment, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds (in each case subject to the proviso to the first sentence of the second succeeding paragraph and to the third succeeding paragraph).
Pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility, if any, or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture.
Any Net Proceeds from any Asset Sale that are not applied as provided and within the time period set forth in the first sentence of this Section 4.06(b) (it being understood that any portion of such Net Proceeds used to make an offer to purchase the Notes, as described in clause (i) of this Section 4.06(b), shall be deemed to have been invested whether or not such offer is accepted) will be deemed to constitute “Excess Proceeds”; provided, that no Net Proceeds which would otherwise constitute “Excess Proceeds”
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shall constitute Excess Proceeds in any fiscal year until the aggregate amount of all such Net Proceeds in such fiscal year shall exceed $50 million (and thereafter only Net Proceeds in excess of such amount shall constitute Excess Proceeds). When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $100 million, the Issuer shall make an offer to all holders of the Notes (and, at the option of the Issuer, to holders of any other Senior Indebtedness; provided, that to the extent any Net Proceeds are from an Asset Sale that constitutes Collateral, to holders of any other Pari Passu Lien Obligations only) (an “Asset Sale Offer”) to purchase the maximum principal amount of the Notes (and such other Senior Indebtedness or Pari Passu Lien Obligations, as the case may be) that is at least $2,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof (or, in the event the Notes or other Senior Indebtedness were issued with significant original issue discount, 100% of the accreted value thereof), plus accrued and unpaid interest (or, in respect of such other Senior Indebtedness or Pari Passu Lien Obligations, as the case may be, such lesser price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of such other Senior Indebtedness or Pari Passu Lien Obligations, as the case may be), to, but excluding, the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture. The Issuer will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within ten (10) Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceeds $100 million by mailing, or delivering electronically if held by DTC, the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee. To the extent that the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (and such other Senior Indebtedness or Pari Passu Lien Obligations, as the case may be) tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the aggregate principal amount of the Notes that the Issuer has offered to purchase pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds (the “Declined Proceeds”) for any purpose that is not prohibited by this Indenture. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.
(c) The Issuer will 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 repurchase of the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue thereof.
(d) Not later than the date upon which written notice of an Asset Sale Offer is delivered to the Trustee as provided above, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate as to (i) the amount of the Excess Proceeds, (ii) the allocation of the Net Proceeds from the Asset Sales pursuant to which such Asset Sale Offer is being made and (iii) the compliance of such allocation with the provisions of Section 4.06(b). Upon the expiration of the period for which the Asset Sale Offer remains open (the “Offer Period”), the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee for cancellation the Notes or portions thereof that have been properly tendered to and are to be accepted by the Issuer. The Trustee (or the Paying Agent, if not the Trustee) shall, on the date of purchase, mail or deliver payment to each tendering holder in the amount of the purchase price. In the event that the Excess Proceeds delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee are greater than the purchase price of the Notes tendered, the Trustee shall deliver the excess to the Issuer immediately after the expiration of the Offer Period for application in accordance with this Section 4.06.
(e) Holders electing to have a Note purchased shall be required to surrender such Note, with an appropriate form duly completed, to the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office at least three Business Days prior to the purchase date. Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Trustee or the
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Issuer receives not later than one 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 which was delivered by the holder for purchase and a statement that such holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased. If more Notes (and such other Pari Passu Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness, as the case may be) are tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer than the Issuer is required to purchase, such Notes shall be selected for purchase in such manner as complies with the requirements of DTC; provided that no Notes of $2,000 or less shall be purchased in part and all purchases shall be in integral multiples of $1,000. Selection of such other Pari Passu Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness, as the case may be, shall be made pursuant to the terms of such other Pari Passu Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness, as the case may be.
(f) Notices of an Asset Sale Offer shall be mailed by the Issuer by first class mail, postage prepaid, or delivered electronically if held at DTC, at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the purchase date to each holder of the Notes at such holder’s registered address. If any Note is to be purchased in part only, any notice of purchase that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof that has been or is to be purchased.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 4.06, (i) to the extent that any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale are received or deemed to be received by a Foreign Subsidiary (or a Domestic Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary) (a “Foreign Disposition”) and give rise to a prepayment or repurchase event described above that is (x) prohibited, restricted or delayed by applicable local law, rule or regulation (including, without limitation, (a) financial assistance and corporate benefit restrictions and (b) fiduciary and statutory duties of any director or officer of such Subsidiaries), (y) restricted by applicable organizational documents or any agreement or (z) subject to other onerous organizational or administrative impediments, in each case, to being repatriated or otherwise paid to the Issuer or so prepaid, or if such repatriation or payment or prepayment would present a material risk of liability for the applicable Subsidiary or its directors or officers (or gives rise to a material risk of breach of fiduciary or statutory duties by any director or officer), an amount equal to the portion of such Net Proceeds so affected will not be required to be applied in compliance with this Section 4.06 and (ii) to the extent that the Issuer has determined in good faith that repatriation of any or all of the Net Proceeds of any Foreign Disposition could have a material adverse tax consequence (which for the avoidance of doubt, includes, but is not limited to, any prepayment out of such Net Proceeds whereby doing so the Issuer, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates and/or equity owners would incur a tax liability, including a taxable dividend) (as determined in good faith by the Issuer), an amount equal to the Net Proceeds so affected will not be required to be applied in compliance with this Section 4.06. The non-application of any prepayment or repurchase amounts as a consequence of the foregoing provisions will not, for the avoidance of doubt, constitute a Default or an Event of Default.
(h) This Section 4.06 shall not apply during a Suspension Period.
SECTION 4.07 Transactions with Affiliates.
(a) From and after the Escrow Merger, the Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any of the 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 or series of related transactions, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Issuer (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate consideration in excess of $25 million per transaction or series of related transactions, unless:
(i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Issuer or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that could have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and
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(ii) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $50 million, the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a resolution adopted in good faith by the majority of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (i) above.
(b) The provisions of Section 4.07(a) shall not apply to the following:
(i) transactions between or among the Issuer and/or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries (or an entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction) and any merger, consolidation or amalgamation of the Issuer and any direct parent of the Issuer; provided that such parent shall have no material liabilities and no material assets other than cash, Cash Equivalents and the Capital Stock of the Issuer and such merger, consolidation or amalgamation is otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture and effected for a bona fide business purpose;
(ii) Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.04 and Permitted Investments;
(iii) the payment of reasonable and customary fees and reimbursement of expenses paid to, and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Issuer, any Restricted Subsidiary, or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer;
(iv) transactions in which the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of Section 4.07(a)(i);
(v) payments or loans (or cancellation of loans) to officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer which are approved by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Issuer in good faith;
(vi) any agreement as in effect as of the Completion Date or any amendment thereto (so long as any such agreement together with all amendments thereto, taken as a whole, is not more disadvantageous to the holders of the Notes in any material respect than the original agreement as in effect on the Completion Date) or any transaction contemplated thereby as determined in good faith by the Issuer;
(vii) the existence of, or the performance by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of its obligations under the terms of any stockholders or limited liability company agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is
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a party as of the Completion Date, and any transaction, agreement or arrangement described in the Offering Memorandum and, in each case, any amendment thereto or similar transactions, agreements or arrangements which it may enter into thereafter; provided, however, that the existence of, or the performance by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of its obligations under, any future amendment to any such existing transaction, agreement or arrangement or under any similar transaction, agreement or arrangement entered into after the Completion Date shall only be permitted by this clause (vii) to the extent that the terms of any such existing transaction, agreement or arrangement together with all amendments thereto, taken as a whole, or new transaction, agreement or arrangement are not otherwise more disadvantageous to the holders of the Notes in any material respect than the original transaction, agreement or arrangement as in effect on the Completion Date;
(viii) (A) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, or transactions otherwise relating to the purchase or sale of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture, which are fair to the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the reasonable determination of the Board of Directors or the senior management of the Issuer, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party or (B) transactions with joint ventures or Unrestricted Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice or industry norm;
(ix) any transaction effected as part of a Qualified Securitization Financing;
(x) the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer to any Person;
(xi) the issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, management equity plans, stock option and stock ownership plans or similar employee benefit plans approved by the Board of Directors of the Issuer or the Board of Directors of any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, or the Board of Directors of a Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, in good faith;
(xii) the entering into of any tax sharing agreement or arrangement among the Issuer, any of its Subsidiaries and any Parent on customary terms, to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, and the performance under any such agreement or arrangement; provided that such agreement or arrangement is not materially adverse to the interests of the holders of the Notes;
(xiii) any contribution to the capital of the Issuer;
(xiv) transactions permitted by, and complying with, Section 5.01;
(xv) transactions between the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Person, a director of which is also a director of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer; provided, however, that such director abstains from voting as a director of the Issuer or such direct or indirect parent of the Issuer, as the case may be, on any matter involving such other Person;
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(xvi) pledges of Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;
(xvii) the formation and maintenance of any consolidated group or subgroup for tax, accounting or cash pooling or management purposes in the ordinary course of business;
(xviii) any employment agreements entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;
(xix) transactions undertaken in good faith (as certified by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer in an Officers’ Certificate) for the purpose of improving the consolidated tax efficiency of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries and not for the purpose of circumventing any covenant set forth in this Indenture;
(xx) non-exclusive licenses of intellectual property to or among the Issuer, its Restricted Subsidiaries and their Affiliates; and
(xxi) the Transactions.
(c) This Section 4.07 shall not apply during a Suspension Period.
SECTION 4.08 Change of Control.
(a) Unless the Issuer has previously or substantially concurrently therewith or within 30 days thereafter delivered a notice of redemption with respect to all of the outstanding Notes in accordance with Section 3.01 or discharged this Indenture or exercised its legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option pursuant to Section 8.01, then, within 30 days following the occurrence of a Change of Control or, at the Issuer’s option, prior to any Change of Control, but after the public announcement of the transaction that constitutes or may constitute a Change of Control, the Issuer shall electronically deliver or mail a notice to each holder, with a copy to the Trustee, describing the transaction or transactions that constitute or may constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase all or any part (in excess of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000) of each such holder’s Notes, at a repurchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes repurchased to, but excluding, the date of repurchase, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is electronically delivered or mailed (the “Change of Control Payment Date”).
(b) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent lawful:
(i) accept for payment all the Notes or portions of the Notes properly tendered pursuant to the applicable offer;
(ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the aggregate purchase price in respect of all the Notes or portions of the Notes properly tendered; and
(iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted, together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes being purchased by the Issuer.
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(c) The Paying Agent will promptly deliver to each holder of Notes properly tendered payment for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and deliver (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) to each holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of any Notes surrendered.
(d) The Issuer shall not be required to make an offer to repurchase Notes in connection with a Change of Control if a third party makes such an offer in the manner and at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements in this Indenture for such an offer made by the Issuer, and such third party purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer. In addition, the Issuer’s obligation to repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control may be waived by the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding Notes affected by such waiver. An offer to repurchase the Notes in connection with a Change of Control may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control or such other conditions specified therein, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of such offer.
(e) If holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in an offer to repurchase the Notes in connection with a Change of Control and the Issuer purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such holders, the Issuer will have the right, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior written notice to the holders of Notes and the Trustee, given not more than 30 days following the Change of Control Payment Date, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
(f) The Issuer shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder, to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control provisions of this Indenture or the Notes, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Change of Control provisions of this Indenture or the Notes by virtue of compliance with such securities laws and regulations.
(g) The Issuer’s obligation to repurchase Notes upon a Change of Control may be waived by the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding Notes affected by such waiver.
SECTION 4.09 Compliance Certificate.
The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer, beginning with the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2023, an Officers’ Certificate stating that in the course of the performance by the signers (one of which shall be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or principal accounting office of the Issuer) of their duties as Officers of the Issuer they would normally have knowledge of any Default and whether or not the signers know of any Default that occurred during such period. If any such Officer does have knowledge of any Defaults having occurred during such period, the certificate shall describe such Defaults and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. Except with respect to receipt of payments of principal and interest on the Notes and any Default or Event of Default information contained in the Officers’ Certificate delivered to it pursuant to this Section 4.09, the Trustee shall have no duty to review, ascertain or confirm the Issuer’s compliance with or the breach of any representation, warranty or covenant made in this Indenture.
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SECTION 4.10 [Reserved].
SECTION 4.11 Future Guarantors.
(a) From and after the Escrow Merger, the Issuer will, other than during a Suspension Period, cause each of its Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries that is not an Excluded Subsidiary and that guarantees or becomes a borrower under any Credit Agreement or that guarantees any Capital Markets Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of the Subsidiary Guarantors in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $100 million to execute and deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days of such event, a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto pursuant to which such Subsidiary will guarantee payment of the Guaranteed Obligations and such Security Documents, or amendments or supplements thereto and such other documentation as shall be necessary to provide for valid and perfected Liens on such Subsidiary’s assets constituting Collateral to secure such Subsidiary Guarantee on the terms described in Article X.
(b) This Section 4.11 shall not apply during a Suspension Period.
SECTION 4.12 Liens.
(a) From and after the Escrow Merger, the Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, Incur or suffer to exist any Lien (except Permitted Liens, other than those described in clause (38) of the definition thereof) (each, a “Subject Lien”) on any asset or property of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary securing Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary unless:
(i) other than during a Suspension Period, (x) in the case of Subject Liens on any Collateral, such Subject Lien expressly is junior in priority to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes Obligations and is subject to an Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement and (y) in the case of any Subject Lien on any asset or property that does not constitute Collateral, the Notes are equally and ratably secured with (or on a senior priority basis to, in the case of Obligations subordinated in right of payment to the Notes) the Obligations secured by such Subject Lien until such time as such Obligations are no longer secured by such Subject Lien; or
(ii) during a Suspension Period, the Notes are equally and ratably secured with (or on a senior priority basis to, in the case of Obligations subordinated in right of payment to the Notes) the Obligations secured by such Subject Lien until such time as such Obligations are no longer secured by such Subject Lien.
(b) Any Lien that is granted to secure the Notes or any Guarantee under Section 4.12(a)(i)(y) or 4.12(a)(ii) shall be automatically released and discharged at the same time as the release of the Lien that gave rise to the Obligation to secure the Notes or such Guarantee.
(c) From and after the Escrow Merger, if the Issuer or any Guarantor grants any Lien upon any property or assets to secure any other Pari Passu Lien Obligations, it will be required to grant a first
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priority perfected Lien (subject to Permitted Liens) upon any such property or assets as security for the Notes Obligations as soon as reasonably practicable, except to the extent such property or assets constitute cash or Cash Equivalents securing letter of credit obligations.
(d) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.12, (i) a Lien securing an item of Indebtedness need not be permitted solely by reference to one category of permitted Liens (or any portion thereof) described in the definition of “Permitted Liens” or pursuant to Section 4.12(a) but may be permitted in part under any combination thereof and (ii) in the event that a Lien securing an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of permitted Liens (or any portion thereof) described in the definition of “Permitted Liens” or pursuant to Section 4.12(a), the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify, or later divide, classify or reclassify (as if Incurred at such later time), such Lien securing such item of Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this covenant and will be entitled to only include the amount and type of such Lien or such item of Indebtedness secured by such Lien (or any portion thereof) in one of the categories of permitted Liens (or any portion thereof) described in the definition of “Permitted Liens” or pursuant to Section 4.12(a) and, in such event, such Lien securing such item of Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) will be treated as being Incurred or existing pursuant to only such clause or clauses (or any portion thereof) or pursuant to Section 4.12(a) without giving pro forma effect to such item (or portion thereof) when calculating the amount of Liens or Indebtedness that may be Incurred pursuant to any other clause or paragraph.
(e) With respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the Incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any Increased Amount of such Indebtedness. The “Increased Amount” of any Indebtedness shall mean any increase in the amount of such Indebtedness in connection with any accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value, the amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms or in the form of common stock of the Issuer, the payment of dividends on Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of Preferred Stock of the same class, accretion of original issue discount or liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies or increases in the value of property securing Indebtedness described in clause (3) of the definition of “Indebtedness.”
(f) The Notes Collateral Agent (and, if applicable, the Trustee) shall execute and deliver any Intercreditor Agreement upon delivery of an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel of the Issuer to the Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent requesting such execution and delivery and stating that such execution and delivery is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.
SECTION 4.13 After-Acquired Collateral.
(a) Subject to Section 10.08 and the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, if (a) any Subsidiary becomes a Guarantor, or (b) the Issuer or any Guarantor acquires property or assets constituting Collateral (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, Excluded Assets), it shall be required to execute and deliver such security instruments and financing statements as are required under this Indenture or any Security Document to create a security interest (subject to Permitted Liens) in such after-acquired Collateral (or all of its assets constituting Collateral, except for the avoidance of doubt Excluded Assets, in the case of a new Guarantor), and thereupon all provisions of this Indenture and the Security Documents relating to the Collateral shall be deemed to relate to such after-acquired Collateral to the same extent and with the same force and effect.
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SECTION 4.14 Maintenance of Office or Agency.
(a) The Issuer shall maintain one or more offices or agencies (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee or Registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange. The Issuer 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 Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and surrenders may be made at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as set forth in Section 13.02.
(b) The Issuer may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligation to maintain an office or agency for such purposes. The Issuer 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 Issuer hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or its agent as such office or agency of the Issuer in accordance with Section 2.04.
SECTION 4.15 Existence.
Until the Escrow Merger, the Escrow Issuer shall, and from and after the Escrow Merger the Ultimate Issuer shall, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any transaction permitted under Section 5.01, and the Issuer shall not be required to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect any such right, license, permit, privilege, franchise or legal existence if the Issuer shall determine in good faith the preservation, renewal or keeping in full force and effect thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer.
SECTION 4.16 Fall-Away Event and Reversion Date.
If on any date following the Completion Date, (i) (A) the Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from at least two of the Rating Agencies and (B) the Issuer has a “corporate family rating” (or comparable designation) that is an Investment Grade Rating from at least two of the Rating Agencies and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture then, from and after such date (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “Fall-Away Event”), the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be subject to Sections 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.11, 4.13, 5.01(a)(iv), 5.01(a)(v) and 5.01(b) will have no further force and effect (collectively the
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“Suspended Covenants”), and such Suspended Covenants shall have no further force or effect. In the event that the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “Reversion Date”) the Notes have an Investment Grade Rating from less than two Rating Agencies or the Issuer’s “corporate family rating” (or comparable designation) is an Investment Grade Rating from less than two Rating Agencies, then the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants with respect to future events. The period of time from and including the date of the Fall-Away Event to (and excluding) the Reversion Date is referred to in this Indenture as the “Suspension Period.”
Additionally, upon the occurrence of a Fall-Away Event, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.
Notwithstanding that the Suspended Covenants may be reinstated, no Default, Event of Default or breach of any kind shall be deemed to exist under this Indenture, the Notes or the guarantees with respect to the Suspended Covenants, and none of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries shall bear any liability for any actions taken or events occurring during the Suspension Period, or any actions taken at any time pursuant to any contractual obligation arising prior to the Reversion Date, as a result of a failure to comply with the Suspended Covenants during the Suspension Period (or upon termination of the Suspension Period or after that time based solely on events that occurred during the Suspension Period solely to the extent arising from the failure to comply with the Suspended Covenants during the Suspension Period); provided that (1) with respect to Restricted Payments made after the Reversion Date, the amount of Restricted Payments made will be calculated as though Section 4.04 had been in effect prior to, but not during, the Suspension Period, (2) all Indebtedness Incurred, or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been Incurred or issued pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(iii), (3) any Affiliate Transaction entered into after the Reversion Date pursuant to an agreement entered into during any Suspension Period shall be deemed to be permitted pursuant to Section 4.07(b)(vi) and (4) any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to take any action described in clauses (a) and (b) of the first paragraph of Section 4.05 that becomes effective during any Suspension Period shall be deemed to be permitted pursuant to clause (1) of the exception to the first paragraph of Section 4.05. On and after the Reversion Date, all Liens granted or purported to be granted to secure the Notes shall be automatically reinstated and the Issuer and the Guarantors shall take all actions reasonably necessary to provide to the Notes Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the holders of the Notes valid, perfected, first priority security interests (subject to Permitted Liens) in the Collateral within 90 days after such Reversion Date. The Notes Collateral Agent is authorized to enter into any new Security Documents in connection with any Reversion Date. No Subsidiaries shall be designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries during any Suspension Period.
The Issuer shall provide an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee indicating the occurrence of any Fall-Away Event or Reversion Date. The Trustee may provide a copy of such Officers’ Certificate to any holder upon receipt of written request. The Trustee will have no obligation to (i) independently determine or verify if such events have occurred, (ii) make any determination regarding the impact of actions taken during the Suspension Period on the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ future compliance with their covenants or (iii) notify the holders of any Fall-Away Event or Reversion Date.
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SECTION 4.17 Activities Prior to Escrow Release.
Prior to the Completion Date, the Escrow Issuer’s primary activities shall be restricted to issuing the Notes, performing its obligations in respect of the Notes, this Indenture and the Escrow Agreement, consummating the Transactions, the Escrow Conditions and the Escrow Release, redeeming the Notes as set forth above under Section 3.09, if applicable, and conducting such other activities as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the foregoing. Prior to the Completion Date, the Escrow Issuer shall not engage in any material business activity or enter into any material transaction or agreement except in the ordinary course of business or reasonably necessary to effectuate the Transactions.
ARTICLE V
SUCCESSOR COMPANY
SECTION 5.01 Merger, Amalgamation, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets.
(a) From and after the Escrow Merger, the Issuer may not, directly or indirectly, consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or wind up or convert into (whether or not the Issuer is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:
(i) the Issuer is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, winding up or conversion (if other than the Issuer) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company or similar entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia (the Issuer or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Issuer”);
(ii) the Successor Issuer (if other than the Issuer) expressly assumes all the Obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture, the Notes and the Security Documents pursuant to supplemental indentures or other applicable documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;
(iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an Obligation of the Successor Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(iv) other than during a Suspension Period, immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction, as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an Obligation of the Successor Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), either (a) the Successor Issuer would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.03(a) or (b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Issuer would be no less than such ratio immediately prior to such transactions;
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(v) other than during a Suspension Period, if the Issuer is not the Successor Issuer, each Subsidiary Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes; and
(vi) the Successor Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, amalgamation or transfer and such supplemental indentures (if any) comply with this Indenture.
The Successor Issuer (if other than the Issuer) will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes, and in such event the Issuer will automatically be released and discharged from its obligations under this Indenture and the Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (iii) and (iv) of this Section 5.01(a), (A) the Issuer may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to a Restricted Subsidiary and (B) the Issuer may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with an Affiliate incorporated solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Issuer in another state of the United States or the District of Columbia (collectively, “Permitted Jurisdictions”) or may convert into a corporation, partnership or limited liability company, so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby. This Section 5.01(a) will not apply to a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of assets between or among the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b) Other than during a Suspension Period, and subject to the provisions of Section 12.02(b), no Subsidiary Guarantor shall, and the Issuer shall not permit any such Subsidiary Guarantor to, consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or wind up or convert into (whether or not such Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions to, any Person unless:
(i) either (A) such Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, amalgamation or merger (if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made is a company, corporation, partnership or limited liability company or similar entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia (such Subsidiary Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Guarantor”) and the Successor Guarantor (if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) expressly assumes all the Obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture, its Guarantee and the Security Documents pursuant to a supplemental indenture or other applicable documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, or (B) such sale or disposition or consolidation, amalgamation or merger is not in violation of Section 4.06; and
(ii) the Successor Guarantor (if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) shall have delivered or caused to be delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture.
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Except as otherwise provided in this Indenture, the Successor Guarantor (if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor) will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture and the Notes or its Guarantee, as applicable, and such Subsidiary Guarantor will automatically be released and discharged from its Obligations under this Indenture and the Notes or its Subsidiary Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) a Subsidiary Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with an Affiliate incorporated solely for the purpose of reincorporating such Subsidiary Guarantor in a Permitted Jurisdiction or may convert into a limited liability company, corporation, partnership or similar entity organized or existing under the laws of any Permitted Jurisdiction so long as the amount of Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor is not increased thereby and (2) a Subsidiary Guarantor may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with the Issuer or another Guarantor.
In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, a Subsidiary Guarantor may (i) consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into or wind up or convert into, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets to the Issuer or any other Subsidiary Guarantor or (ii) liquidate or dissolve if the Issuer determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interest of the Issuer.
For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 5.01(b) shall not apply during a Suspension Period.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this covenant shall not apply to the Transactions, provided that the execution of a supplemental indenture by the Ultimate Issuer in connection with the Escrow Merger shall be required.
ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
SECTION 6.01 Events of Default.
An “Event of Default” shall occur with respect to the Notes if:
(a) there is a default in any payment of interest on any Note when due, and such default continues for a period of 30 days;
(b) there is a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any, of any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise;
(c) there is a failure by the Issuer for 120 days after receipt of written notice given by the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (with a copy to the Trustee) to comply with any of its obligations, covenants or agreements contained in Section 4.02;
(d) there is a failure by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary for 60 days after written notice given by the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (with a copy to the Trustee) to comply with its other obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a default referred to in clause (a), (b) or (c) above) contained in the Notes or this Indenture;
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(e) there is a failure by the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) to pay any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness owing to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary) within any applicable grace period after final maturity or the acceleration of any such Indebtedness by the holders thereof because of a default, in each case, if the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds $100 million or its foreign currency equivalent (the “cross-acceleration provision”);
(f) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(i) commences a voluntary case;
(ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case;
(iii) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or
(iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
(g) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(i) is for relief in an involuntary case against the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary;
(ii) appoints a custodian of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary;
(iii) orders the liquidation of the Issuer or any of the Issuer’s Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary;
and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;
(h) there is a failure by the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $100 million or its foreign currency equivalent (net of any amounts which are covered by enforceable insurance policies issued by solvent carriers), which judgments are not discharged, waived or stayed for a period of 60 days;
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(i) other than during a Suspension Period, the Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) with respect to the Notes ceases to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms thereof) or the Issuer or any Guarantor that qualifies as a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) denies or disaffirms its obligations under this Indenture or any Guarantee with respect to the Notes and such Default continues for 10 days;
(j) other than during a Suspension Period, the Liens on a material portion of the Collateral created by the Security Documents cease to be a valid and perfected Lien intended to be covered thereby (unless perfection is not required by this Indenture or the Security Documents) other than (A) in accordance with the terms of the relevant Security Document or this Indenture, (B) as a result of the payment and satisfaction in full of the Notes and all other Obligations under this Indenture, or (C) any loss of perfection that results from the failure of the Notes Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Security Documents;
(k) other than during a Suspension Period, the Issuer or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) shall assert, in any pleading in any court of competent jurisdiction, that any security interest in any Security Document is invalid or unenforceable (other than any security interest that has been released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, any Security Document or any Intercreditor Agreement); or
(l) failure by the Issuer to consummate the Special Mandatory Redemption pursuant to Section 3.09 if, as and when required thereunder.
The foregoing will constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.
However, a default under clause (c) or (d) above will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding Notes notify the Issuer, with a copy to the Trustee, of the default and the Issuer fails to cure such default within the time specified in clause (c) or (d) hereof after receipt of such notice; provided, that a notice of default may not be given with respect to any action taken, and reported publicly or to holders and the Trustee, more than two years prior to such notice of default. Any notice of default, notice of acceleration or instruction to the Trustee to provide a notice of default, notice of acceleration or take any other action (a “Noteholder Direction”) provided by any one or more holders of the Notes (each, a “Directing Holder”) must be accompanied by a signed Position Representation and Verification Form (in the form attached as Exhibit E to this Indenture) from each such holder delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee (a “Position Representation and Verification Form”). The Position Representation and Verification Form will contain a representation that such holder is not (or, in the case such holder is DTC or its nominee, that such holder is being instructed solely by beneficial owners that have represented to such holder that they are not) Net Short (a “Position Representation”), which representation, in the case of a Noteholder Direction relating to the delivery of a notice of default shall be deemed a continuing representation until the resulting Event of Default is cured or otherwise ceases to exist or the Notes are accelerated. In addition, the Position Representation and Verification Form will include a covenant by the applicable Directing Holder to provide the Issuer with such other information as the Issuer may reasonably request from time to time in order to verify the accuracy of such noteholder’s Position Representation within five Business Days of request therefor (a
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“Verification Covenant”). In any case in which the holder is DTC or its nominee, any Position Representation or Verification Covenant required hereunder shall be provided by the beneficial owner of the Notes in lieu of DTC or its nominee and DTC shall be entitled to conclusively rely on such Position Representation and Verification Covenant in delivering its direction to the Trustee. In no event shall the Trustee have any liability or obligation to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any holder is Net Short and/or whether such holder has delivered any Position Representation, Verification Covenant, Noteholder Direction, or any related certifications under this Indenture or in connection with the Notes or if any such Position Representation, Verification Covenant, Noteholder Direction, or any related certifications comply with this Indenture, the Notes, or any other document. It is understood and agreed that the Issuer and the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on each representation, deemed representation and certification made by, and covenant of, each beneficial owner provided for in this paragraph. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the Notes or any other document, the provisions of this paragraph shall apply and survive with respect to each beneficial owner notwithstanding that any such Person may have ceased to be a beneficial owner, this Indenture may have been terminated or the Notes may have been redeemed in full.
If, following the delivery of a Noteholder Direction, but prior to acceleration of the Notes, the Issuer determines in good faith that there is a reasonable basis to believe a Directing Holder was, at any relevant time, in breach of its Position Representation and provides to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the Issuer has initiated litigation in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking a determination that such Directing Holder was, at such time, in breach of its Position Representation, and seeking to invalidate any default, Event of Default or acceleration (or notice thereof) that resulted from the applicable Noteholder Direction, the cure period with respect to such default shall be automatically stayed and the cure period with respect to such default or Event of Default shall be automatically reinstituted and any remedy stayed pending a final and non-appealable determination of a court of competent jurisdiction on such matter if, without the participation of such holder, the percentage of Notes held by the remaining holders that provided such Noteholder Direction would have been insufficient to validly provide such Noteholder Direction. If, following the delivery of a Noteholder Direction, but prior to acceleration of the Notes, the Issuer provides to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that a Directing Holder failed to satisfy its Verification Covenant, the cure period with respect to such default or Event of Default shall be automatically stayed and the cure period with respect to any default or Event of Default that resulted from the applicable Noteholder Direction shall be automatically reinstituted and any remedy stayed pending satisfaction of such Verification Covenant. Any breach of the Position Representation shall result in such holder’s participation in such Noteholder Direction being disregarded; and, if, without the participation of such holder, the percentage of Notes held by the remaining holders that provided such Noteholder Direction would have been insufficient to validly provide such Noteholder Direction, such Noteholder Direction shall be void ab initio (other than any indemnity such Directing Holder may have offered the Trustee), with the effect that such default or Event of Default shall be deemed never to have occurred, acceleration voided and the Trustee shall be deemed not to have received such Noteholder Direction or any notice of such default or Event of Default.
Notwithstanding anything in the preceding two paragraphs to the contrary, any Noteholder Direction delivered to the Trustee during the pendency of an Event of Default as the result of a bankruptcy or similar proceeding shall not require compliance with the foregoing paragraphs. In addition, for the avoidance of doubt, the requirements described in the preceding two paragraphs shall not apply to any holder that is a Regulated Bank, and shall only apply to Noteholder Directions as defined herein and not to any other direction given to the Trustee under this Indenture.
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For the avoidance of doubt, the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any Noteholder Direction delivered to it in accordance with this Indenture, shall have no duty to inquire as to or investigate the accuracy of any Position Representation, enforce compliance with any Verification Covenant, verify any statements in any Officers’ Certificate delivered to it, or otherwise make calculations, investigations or determinations with respect to Derivative Instruments, Net Shorts, Long Derivative Instruments, Short Derivative Instruments or otherwise. The Trustee shall have no liability to the Issuer, any holder or any other Person in connection with any Noteholder Direction or to determine whether or not any holder has delivered any Position Representation, Verification Covenant, Noteholder Direction, or any related certification or that such Position Representation, Verification Covenant, Noteholder Direction, or any related certification conforms with this Indenture or any other agreement.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Indenture or the Notes, no provision of this Indenture or the Notes shall prohibit any of the Transactions, nor shall the Transactions give rise to any Default or Event of Default.
SECTION 6.02 Acceleration.
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(f) or (g) hereof with respect to the Issuer) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Issuer or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding Notes by notice to the Issuer, with a copy to the Trustee, may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(f) or (g) with respect to the Issuer occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes will become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holders. The holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences.
In the event of any Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(e), such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding, however, any resulting payment default) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the holders of the Notes, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose the Issuer delivers an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee stating that (x) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged or (y) the holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default or (z) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured, it being understood that in no event shall an acceleration of the principal amount of the Notes as described above be annulled, waived or rescinded upon the happening of any such events.
SECTION 6.03 Other Remedies.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent may pursue any available remedy at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal or interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes, this Indenture or the Security Documents.
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The Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee, the Notes Collateral Agent or any holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. To the extent required by law, all available remedies are cumulative.
SECTION 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults.
Provided the Notes are not then due and payable by reason of a declaration of acceleration, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by written notice to the Trustee may waive an existing Default and its consequences except (a) a Default in the payment of the principal of or interest on a Note, (b) a Default arising from the failure to redeem or purchase any Note when required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or (c) a Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended without the consent of each holder affected. When a Default is waived, it is deemed cured and the Issuer, the Trustee and the holders will be restored to their former positions and rights under this Indenture, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any consequent right.
SECTION 6.05 Control by Majority.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent. The Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder or that would involve the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under this Indenture, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to them in their sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.
SECTION 6.06 Limitation on Suits.
Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:
(i) such holder has previously given the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing,
(ii) holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy,
(iii) such holders have offered the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense,
(iv) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity, and
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(v) the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.
SECTION 6.07 Rights of the Holders to Receive Payment.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on the Notes held by such holder, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in the Notes, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such holder.
SECTION 6.08 Collection Suit by Trustee.
If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a) or (b) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuer or any other obligor on the Notes for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on overdue principal and (to the extent lawful) on any unpaid interest at the rate provided for in the Notes) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.07.
SECTION 6.09 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
The Trustee may file such proofs of claim, statements of interest and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation, expenses disbursements and advances of the Trustee (including counsel, accountants, experts or such other professionals as the Trustee deems necessary, advisable or appropriate)) and the holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer, the Guarantors, their creditors or their property, shall be entitled to participate as a member, voting or otherwise, of any official committee of creditors appointed in such matters and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the holders in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each holder to make payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its 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, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any holder in any such proceeding.
SECTION 6.10 Priorities.
Any money or property collected by the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to this Article VI (including upon any realization of any Lien upon Collateral) and any other money or property distributable in respect of the Issuer’s or any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture after an Event of Default shall, subject to the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, be applied in the following order:
FIRST: to the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent for amounts due to the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent, respectively (acting in any capacity hereunder) hereunder;
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SECOND: to the holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal and interest, respectively; and
THIRD: to the Issuer or, to the extent the Trustee or Notes Collateral Agent collects any amount for any Guarantor, to such Guarantor.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to the holders pursuant to this Section 6.10. At least 15 days before such record date, the Trustee shall deliver to each holder and the Issuer a notice that states the record date, the payment date and the amount to be paid.
SECTION 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.
In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a holder pursuant to Section 6.07 or a suit by holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the Notes.
SECTION 6.12 Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.
Neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor (to the extent it may lawfully do so) shall 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 Issuer and the Guarantors (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waive all benefit or advantage of any such law, and shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE
SECTION 7.01 Duties of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Notes and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default which may have occurred, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise 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.
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(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(i) 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 (it being agreed that the permissive right of the Trustee to do things enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty); and
(ii) 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. The Trustee shall be under no duty to make any investigation as to any statement contained in any such instance, but may accept the same as conclusive evidence of the truth and accuracy of such statement or the correctness of such opinions. However, in the case of certificates or opinions required by any provision hereof to be provided to it, the Trustee shall examine the form of certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;
(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05 or pursuant to any Security Document; and
(iv) no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise Incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers.
(d) Every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section 7.01.
(e) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer.
(f) Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
(g) 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.
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SECTION 7.02 Rights of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on the Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
(c) The Trustee may act through agents or attorneys and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care.
(d) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers; provided, however, that the Trustee’s conduct does not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence.
(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its own selection and the advice or opinion of counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture and the Notes shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.
(f) 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, consent, order, approval, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document unless requested in writing to do so by the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding, 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 make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer, personally or by agent or attorney, at the expense of the Issuer and shall Incur no liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
(g) 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 pursuant to this Indenture, unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be Incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(h) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including 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 to act hereunder.
(i) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith at the direction of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Notes as to the time, method and place of conducting any proceedings for any remedy available to the Trustee or the exercising of any power conferred by this Indenture.
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(j) Any action taken, or omitted to be taken, by the Trustee in good faith pursuant to this Indenture upon the request or authority or consent of any person who, at the time of making such request or giving such authority or consent, is the holder of any Note shall be conclusive and binding upon future holders of Notes and upon Notes executed and delivered in exchange therefor or in place thereof.
(k) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture.
(l) The Trustee may request that the Issuer deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any Person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any Person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.
(m) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for punitive, special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of actions.
(n) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the execution of the trusts and powers under this Indenture.
(o) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fire; flood; terrorism; wars and other military disturbances; sabotage; epidemics; riots; loss or malfunction of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communication services; accidents; labor disputes; and acts of civil or military authorities and governmental action.
SECTION 7.03 Individual Rights of Trustee.
The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent or Registrar may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with Sections 7.10 and 7.11.
SECTION 7.04 Trustee’s Disclaimer.
The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Issuer’s use of the proceeds from the Notes, and it shall not be responsible for any statement of the Issuer or any Guarantor in this Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the sale of the Notes or in the Notes other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication. The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default under Sections 6.01(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), or (i), or of the identity of any Significant Subsidiary unless either (a) a Responsible Officer shall have actual knowledge
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thereof or (b) the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof in accordance with Section 13.02 hereof from the Issuer, any Guarantor or any holder. In accepting the trust hereby created, the Trustee acts solely as Trustee under this Indenture and not in its individual capacity and all persons, including without limitation the holders of Notes and the Issuer having any claim against the Trustee arising from this Indenture shall look only to the funds and accounts held by the Trustee hereunder for payment except as otherwise provided herein.
SECTION 7.05 Notice of Defaults.
If a Default occurs and is continuing and written notice thereof is received by the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail, or deliver electronically if held by DTC, to each holder of the Notes notice of the Default within the earlier of 90 days after it occurs or 30 days after written notice of it is received by the Trustee. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, premium (if any) or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold notice if and so long as it in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the noteholders. The Issuer is required to deliver to the Trustee, annually, a certificate indicating whether the signers thereof know of any Default that occurred during the previous year. The Issuer also is required to deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice of any event which would constitute certain Defaults, their status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take in respect thereof.
SECTION 7.06 [Reserved].
SECTION 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity.
The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder) from time to time such compensation for the Trustee’s acceptance of this Indenture and its services hereunder as mutually agreed to in writing between the Issuer and the Trustee. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuer shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses Incurred or made by it, including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee’s agents, counsel, court costs, accountants and experts. The Issuer and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee (acting in any capacity hereunder) or any predecessor Trustee and their directors, officers, employees and agents against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, court costs and including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee)) Incurred by or in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture or Guarantee against the Issuer or any Guarantor (including this Section 7.07) and defending itself against or investigating any claim (whether asserted by the Issuer, any Guarantor, any holder or any other Person). The obligation to pay such amounts shall survive the payment in full or defeasance of the Notes or the removal or resignation of the Trustee. The Trustee shall notify the Issuer of any claim for which it may seek indemnity promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge thereof; provided, however, that any failure so to notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer or any Guarantor of its indemnity obligations hereunder. The Issuer shall defend the claim and the indemnified party shall provide reasonable cooperation at the Issuer’s expense in the defense. Such indemnified parties may have separate counsel and the Issuer and such Guarantor, as applicable, shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel; provided, however, that the Issuer shall not be required to pay such fees and expenses if it assumes such indemnified parties’
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defense and, in such indemnified parties’ reasonable judgment, there is no actual or potential conflict of interest between the Issuer and the Guarantors, as applicable, and such parties in connection with such defense. The Issuer need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense Incurred by an indemnified party through such party’s own willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final nonappealable order.
To secure the Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ payment obligations to the Trustee hereunder, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Notes.
The Issuer’s and the Guarantors’ payment obligations to the Trustee hereunder shall survive the satisfaction or discharge of this Indenture, any rejection or termination of this Indenture under any bankruptcy law or the resignation or removal of the Trustee. Without prejudice to any other rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, when the Trustee Incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.01(f) or (g) with respect to the Issuer, the expenses are intended to constitute expenses of administration under the Bankruptcy Law.
No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee 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 repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not assured to its satisfaction.
In case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the Notes unless such holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
SECTION 7.08 Replacement of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Issuer. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee if:
(i) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
(ii) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;
(iii) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(iv) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.
(b) If the Trustee resigns, is removed by the Issuer or by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes and such holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.
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(c) A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to the holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 and shall have no responsibility or liability for any action (or inaction) of any successor Trustee.
(d) If a successor Xxxxxxx does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee or the holders of 10% in principal amount of the Notes may petition at the expense of the Issuer any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(e) If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, unless the Trustee’s duty to resign is stayed as provided in Section 310(b) of the TIA, any holder who has been a bona fide holder of a Note for at least six months may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(f) Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Issuer’s obligations under Section 7.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
SECTION 7.09 Successor Trustee by Xxxxxx.
If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation or banking association without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.
In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Notes or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.
SECTION 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.
The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of Section 310(a) of the TIA. The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition. The Trustee shall comply with Section 310(b) of the TIA, subject to its right to apply for a stay of its duty to resign under the penultimate paragraph of Section 310(b) of the TIA; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA any series of securities issued under this Indenture and any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of the Issuer are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA are met.
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SECTION 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer.
The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the TIA, excluding any creditor relationship listed in Section 311(b) of the TIA. A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the TIA to the extent indicated.
SECTION 7.12 Tax Matters Regarding Trustee.
The transferor of any Note shall provide or cause to be provided to the Trustee all information reasonably requested by the Trustee to allow the Trustee to comply with any applicable tax reporting obligations, including without limitation any cost basis reporting obligations under Internal Revenue Code Section 6045. The Trustee may rely on information provided to it and shall have no responsibility to verify or ensure the accuracy of such information.
SECTION 7.13 Escrow Agreement.
Each Holder, by its acceptance of a Note, (i) consents and agrees to the terms of the Escrow Agreement, including documents related thereto, as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in writing by the parties thereto in accordance with Article IX of this Indenture and (ii) authorizes and directs the Trustee to enter into the Escrow Agreement and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith. The Trustee shall have no duty to file any financing or continuation statements or otherwise take any actions to perfect the Lien granted under the Escrow Agreement. The Trustee shall not be liable for the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Lien granted under the Escrow Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
SECTION 8.01 Discharge of Liability on Notes; Defeasance.
(a) This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights and immunities of the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent and rights of transfer or exchange of the Notes, as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes when:
(i) 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 Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or (B) all of the Notes (1) have become due and payable, (2) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year or (3) if redeemable at the option of the Issuer, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and the Issuer has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to, but excluding, the date of deposit together with irrevocable instructions from the Issuer
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directing the Trustee to apply such funds to the payment thereof at maturity or redemption, as the case may be; provided that with respect to any discharge of such Notes that requires the payment of the Applicable Premium, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of this Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Applicable Premium calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any deficit as of the date of the redemption only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of redemption;
(ii) the Issuer and/or the Guarantors have paid all other sums payable under this Indenture; and
(iii) the Issuer 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 have been complied with.
The Collateral will be released from the Lien securing the Notes (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Issuer will not be obligated to comply with Section 4.13 or otherwise create or perfect any security interests as security for the Notes thereafter) as provided herein and the Guarantees will be released as provided herein, in each case, upon a discharge in accordance with this Section 8.01(a).
(b) Subject to Sections 8.01(c) and 8.02, the Issuer at any time may terminate (i) all of its Obligations under the Notes and this Indenture with respect to the holders of the Notes (“legal defeasance option”), and (ii) its Obligations under Sections 4.02, 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15 and 4.16, and the operation of Section 5.01 for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, and Sections 6.01(e), 6.01(f), 6.01(g) (in the case of Sections 6.01(f) and 6.01(g) with respect to Significant Subsidiaries or any group of Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), 6.01(h), 6.01(i), 6.01(j) and 6.01(k) (“covenant defeasance option”). The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option, each Guarantor will be released from all of its obligations with respect to its Guarantee of the Notes and the security interests in all Collateral securing the Notes Obligations will be released (and, for the avoidance of doubt, the Issuer will not be obligated to comply with Section 4.13 or otherwise create or perfect any security interests as security for the Notes thereafter).
If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default with respect thereto. If the Issuer exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(c), 6.01(d), 6.01(e), 6.01(f), 6.01(g) (in the case of Sections 6.01(f) and (g), with respect only to Significant Subsidiaries), 6.01(h), 6.01(i), 6.01(j) or 6.01(k) or because of the failure of the Issuer to comply with Section 5.01(a)(iv).
Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Issuer terminates.
(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08 and 2.09 and Article VII, including, without limitation, Sections 7.07 and 7.08 and in this Article VIII and the rights and immunities of the Trustee under this Indenture shall survive until the Notes have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 7.07, 7.08, 8.05 and 8.06 and the rights and immunities of the Trustee under this Indenture shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.
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SECTION 8.02 Conditions to Defeasance.
(a) The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option only if:
(i) the Issuer irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof sufficient to pay the principal of, premium (if any) and interest (without reinvestment), on the Notes when due at maturity or redemption, as the case may be;
(ii) with respect to U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination of money and U.S. Government Obligations, the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants, a nationally recognized investment bank or a nationally recognized appraisal or valuation firm, expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations, plus any deposited money without investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be; provided that upon any defeasance that requires the payment of the Applicable Premium, the amount deposited shall be sufficient for purposes of this Indenture to the extent that an amount is deposited with the Trustee equal to the Applicable Premium, calculated as of the date of the notice of redemption, with any deficit as of the date of the redemption only required to be deposited with the Trustee on or prior to the date of the redemption;
(iii) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee in the case of the legal defeasance option, an Opinion of Counsel stating that (1) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (2) since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the beneficial owners will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by the immediately preceding sentence with respect to a legal defeasance need not be delivered if all of the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (x) have become due and payable or (y) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or if redeemable at the option of the Issuer, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer;
(iv) such exercise does not impair the right of any holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefore or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such holder’s Notes;
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(v) in the case of the covenant defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the beneficial owners will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; and
(vi) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Notes to be so defeased and discharged as contemplated by this Article VIII have been complied with.
(b) Before or after a deposit, the Issuer may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of such Notes at a future date in accordance with Article III.
SECTION 8.03 Application of Trust Money.
The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations (including proceeds thereof) deposited with it pursuant to this Article VIII. The Trustee shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through each Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes so discharged or defeased.
SECTION 8.04 Repayment to Issuer.
Each of the Trustee and each Paying Agent shall promptly turn over to the Issuer upon request any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in this Article VIII that, in the written opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, a nationally recognized investment bank or a nationally recognized appraisal or valuation firm, delivered to the Trustee (which delivery shall only be required if U.S. Government Obligations have been so deposited), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent discharge or defeasance in accordance with this Article VIII.
Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and each Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors, and the Trustee and each Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.
SECTION 8.05 Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations.
The Issuer shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee (and the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable) against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations.
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SECTION 8.06 Reinstatement.
If the Trustee or any Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and on the Notes so discharged or defeased shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article VIII until such time as the Trustee or any Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII; provided, however, that, if the Issuer has made any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any such Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or any Paying Agent.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS
SECTION 9.01 Without Consent of any Holders.
(a) Notwithstanding Section 9.02, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Escrow Agreement without notice to or the consent of any holder:
(i) to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency;
(ii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Issuer (with respect to the Issuer) of the Obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes;
(iii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Guarantor (with respect to any Guarantor) of the Obligations of a Guarantor under this Indenture and its Guarantee;
(iv) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;
(v) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees, the Security Documents, the Escrow Agreement or the Intercreditor Agreements to any provision of the “Description of Notes” in the Offering Memorandum;
(vi) to add a Guarantee with respect to the Notes;
(vii) to add collateral to secure the Notes;
(viii) to release a Guarantor from its Guarantee when permitted or required under the terms of this Indenture;
(ix) to add to the covenants of the Issuer for the benefit of the holders or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer;
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(x) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with qualifying, or maintaining the qualification of, this Indenture under the TIA;
(xi) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder in any material respect in the good faith determination of the Issuer;
(xii) to effect any provision of this Indenture or to make changes to this Indenture to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes;
(xiii) to make, complete or confirm any grant of a Lien or security interest in any property or assets as additional Collateral securing the Notes Obligations, including when permitted or required by this Indenture or the Security Document;
(xiv) to release, terminate and/or discharge Collateral from the Lien securing the Notes Obligations when permitted or required by this Indenture, the Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement;
(xv) to add Additional Secured Parties to any Intercreditor Agreement or Security Documents;
(xvi) to enter into any intercreditor agreement having substantially similar terms with respect to the holders as those set forth in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, taken as a whole, to enter an Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement under the circumstances provided for in this Indenture and to enter any joinder to any of the foregoing;
(xvii) to execute or amend any Security Document, any Intercreditor Agreement or the Escrow Agreement (or any supplement or joinder to any of the foregoing) under circumstances provided in this Indenture or therein; or
(xviii) in the case of any Security Document, to include therein any legend required to be set forth therein pursuant to the applicable Intercreditor Agreement or to modify any such legend as required by the applicable Intercreditor Agreement to provide for the succession of any parties to the Security Documents (and other amendments that are administrative or ministerial in nature) in connection with an amendment, renewal, extension, substitution, refinancing, restructuring, replacement, supplementing or other modification from time to time of the Senior Secured Credit Agreement or any other agreement that is not prohibited by this Indenture.
SECTION 9.02 With Consent of the Holders.
Except as provided for in Section 9.01 and this Section 9.02, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent may amend this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees thereof, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Escrow Agreement and any past Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provisions of this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees thereof, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Escrow Agreement may be waived, with the consent of the Issuer and the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class. However, without the consent of each holder of an outstanding Note affected, no amendment or waiver may:
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(1) reduce the amount of Notes whose holders must consent to an amendment;
(2) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Note;
(3) reduce the principal of or change the Stated Maturity of any Note;
(4) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed in accordance with Section 3.01;
(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in such Note;
(6) expressly subordinate the Notes or any Guarantee of the Notes to any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Guarantor;
(7) waive or modify in a manner materially adverse to the interests of the holders of the Notes the provisions relating to the Issuer’s obligation to redeem the Notes in a Special Mandatory Redemption; or
(8) change the list of provisions set forth in these clauses (1)-(8) requiring the approval of each holder of an outstanding Note affected by an amendment or waiver described therein such that the approval of each such holder is no longer required.
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 9.02, without the consent of the holders of at least 100% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, no amendment or waiver may (1) make any change in any Security Document or the provisions in this Indenture dealing with Collateral or application of trust proceeds of the Collateral to the extent that such change would have the effect of releasing the Liens on all or substantially all of the Collateral which secure the Notes Obligations or (2) change or alter the priority of the Liens securing the Notes Obligations in any material portion of the Collateral in any way materially adverse, taken as a whole, to the holders, other than, in the case of each of clauses (1) and (2), as provided under the terms of this Indenture, the Security Documents or any of the Intercreditor Agreements.
SECTION 9.03 Revocation and Effect of Consents and Waivers.
(a) A consent to an amendment or a waiver by a holder of a Note shall bind the holder and every subsequent holder of that Note or portion of the Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Note. However, any such holder or subsequent holder may revoke the consent or waiver as to such holder’s Note or portion of the Note if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date on which the Trustee receives an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuer certifying that the requisite principal amount of Notes have consented. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every holder. An amendment or waiver becomes effective upon the (i) receipt by the Issuer or the Trustee of consents by the holders of the requisite principal amount of securities, (ii) satisfaction of conditions to effectiveness as set forth in
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this Indenture and any indenture supplemental hereto containing such amendment or waiver and (iii) execution of such amendment or waiver (or supplemental indenture) by the Issuer, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
(b) The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the holders entitled to give their consent or take any other action described above or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date.
SECTION 9.04 Notation on or Exchange of Notes.
If an amendment, supplement or waiver changes the terms of a Note, the Issuer may require the holder of the Note to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation on the Note regarding the changed terms and return it to the holder. Alternatively, if the Issuer or the Trustee so determine, the Issuer in exchange for the Note shall issue and, upon written order of the Issuer signed by an Officer, the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
SECTION 9.05 Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent to Sign Amendments.
The Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable. If it does, the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, may but need not sign it. In signing such amendment, the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall receive indemnity satisfactory to it and shall be provided with, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon, (i) an Officers’ Certificate stating that such amendment, supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted by this Indenture, (ii) an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment, supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and, with respect to any supplement relating to any Additional Notes, that such supplement is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer and any Guarantors, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions, and complies with the provisions hereof, (iii) with respect to any supplement relating to any Additional Notes, a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Issuer, authorizing the execution of such amendment, supplement or waiver and (iv) if such amendment, supplement or waiver is executed pursuant to Section 9.02, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the holders required to consent thereto.
SECTION 9.06 Additional Voting Terms; Calculation of Principal Amount.
All Notes issued under this Indenture shall vote and consent together on all matters (as to which any of such Notes may vote) as one class and no Notes will have the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter. Determinations as to whether holders of the requisite aggregate principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent shall be made in accordance with this Article IX and Section 2.13.
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SECTION 9.07 Compliance with the Trust Indenture Act.
Except with respect to specific provisions of the TIA expressly referenced in the provisions of this Indenture, no provisions of the TIA are incorporated by reference in or made a part of this Indenture. Unless specifically provided in this Indenture, no terms that are defined in the TIA have the meanings specified therein for purposes of this Indenture. If after the date hereof this Indenture becomes qualified under the TIA and any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision which is required or deemed to be included in this Indenture by the TIA, the required or deemed provision shall govern.
ARTICLE X
COLLATERAL
SECTION 10.01 Security Documents.
(a) Following the Completion Date, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium and interest on the Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether on an Interest Payment Date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium and interest on the Notes and performance of all other Notes Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors to the holders, the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent under this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees and the Security Documents, according to the terms hereunder or thereunder, shall be secured as provided in the Security Documents, which define the terms of the Liens that secure the Notes Obligations, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements. The Trustee, the Issuer and the Guarantors hereby acknowledge and agree that, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements and as further set forth below, the Notes Collateral Agent will hold the Collateral for the benefit of the holders, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no inaccuracy or breach, as applicable, of any representation, warranty or covenant in this Indenture, the Notes or any Security Document relating to the grant, validity, enforceability, perfection or priority of any security interest shall occur, and no Default or Event of Default or other breach of the terms hereof or thereunder shall occur, in either case, as a result of the collateral agency and intercreditor arrangements described in this Section 10.01 or in the Intercreditor Agreements.
(c) Each holder, by accepting a Note, and each beneficial owner of an interest in a Note, consents and agrees to the terms of the Security Documents (including the provisions providing for the possession, use, release and foreclosure of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreements, each as may be in effect or may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with their terms and this Indenture. Subject to Section 10.08 and the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, the Issuer shall deliver to the Notes Collateral Agent copies of all documents required to be filed pursuant to the Security Documents, and will do or cause to be done all such acts and things as may be reasonably required by the next sentence of this Section 10.01(c), to
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provide to the Notes Collateral Agent the security interest in the Collateral contemplated hereby, by the Security Documents or any part thereof, as from time to time constituted, so as to render the same available for the security and benefit of this Indenture and of the Notes secured hereby, according to the intent and purposes herein expressed. On or following the Completion Date and subject to Section 10.08 and the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, the Issuer shall, and shall cause the Subsidiaries of the Issuer to, take any and all actions and make all filings (including, without limitation, the filing of UCC financing statements, continuation statements and amendments thereto) required to cause the Security Documents to create and maintain, as security for the Notes Obligations of the Issuer and the Guarantors to the Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee and the holders of the Notes, a valid and enforceable perfected Lien and security interest in and on all of the Collateral (subject to Section 10.08 and the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements), in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee and the holders of the Notes subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens.
(d) Subject to the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, security interests in the Collateral securing the Notes Obligations shall be put in place by the Issuer and Forward and each other Guarantor that guarantees the payment of the Notes Obligations on the Completion Date as promptly as reasonably practicable, but not later than 90 days, after the Completion Date (or such longer period as mutually agreed between the Ultimate Issuer and the Senior Secured Credit Agreement Collateral Agent in respect of the Senior Secured Credit Agreement Obligations); provided, however, the security interests in assets with respect to which a Lien may be perfected by the filing of a UCC financing statement shall be required to be perfected by the filing of such a UCC financing statement on or promptly following the Completion Date and the certificated Capital Stock of (1) Omni, (2) the Issuer’s material wholly owned Domestic Subsidiaries and (3) to the extent received by the Ultimate Issuer from Omni on or prior to the Completion Date, the wholly owned domestic Restricted Subsidiaries of Omni constituting Collateral will be required to be perfected by the delivery thereof to the Notes Collateral Agent (or the Senior Secured Credit Agreement Collateral Agent as its bailee pursuant to the terms of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement) on or promptly following the Completion Date.
(e) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, the provisions of this Section 10.01 are qualified in their entirety by Section 10.08 and the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall be required pursuant to this Indenture or any Security Document to take any action limited by the foregoing.
(f) To the extent required by the Security Documents and subject to the limitations contained herein and therein, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall, at their expense, duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly executed and delivered, such further agreements, documents, instruments, financing and continuation statements and amendments thereto and do or cause to be done such further acts as may be necessary or proper to evidence, perfect, maintain and enforce the security interests and the priority thereof in the Collateral in favor of the Notes Collateral Agent for its benefit and for the benefit of the holders of the Notes and the Trustee, and to otherwise effectuate the provisions or purposes of this Indenture and the Security Documents.
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SECTION 10.02 Release of Collateral.
(a) The security interests securing the Notes Obligations will be automatically released, without delivery of any instrument or any action by any party, at any time and from time to time upon any one or more of the following circumstances:
(i) upon the property subject to such Lien being sold, disposed of or distributed as part of or in connection with any transaction or series of related transactions not prohibited by Section 4.06;
(ii) upon the property subject to such Lien constituting or becoming an Excluded Asset in a transaction not prohibited by this Indenture;
(iii) with respect to any property owned by a Guarantor that is released from its Guarantee with respect to the Notes pursuant to the terms of this Indenture;
(iv) in respect of any property of the Issuer or a Guarantor that would constitute Collateral but is at such time (or will be substantially simultaneously with the applicable release) not subject to a Lien securing Pari Passu Lien Obligations, other than any property that ceases to be subject to a Lien securing Pari Passu Lien Obligations in connection with a release or discharge by or as a result of payment in full and termination of Pari Passu Lien Obligations; provided that if such property is subsequently subject to a Lien securing Pari Passu Lien Obligations (other than Excluded Assets), such property shall subsequently constitute Collateral to the extent otherwise required by the terms of this Indenture; or
(v) pursuant to an amendment or waiver in accordance with Article IX or pursuant to the provisions of any applicable Intercreditor Agreement.
Notwithstanding clause (a)(iii) above or clause (b) below, if, after a Fall-Away Event, a Reversion Date occurs, then all Liens granted or purported to be granted to secure the Notes released pursuant to clause (a)(iii) above shall be automatically reinstated and the Issuer and the Guarantors shall take all actions reasonably necessary to provide to the Notes Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Trustee and the holders of the Notes valid, perfected, first priority security interests (subject to Permitted Liens) in the Collateral within 90 days after such Reversion Date.
(b) The security interests in all Collateral securing the Notes Obligations also will be automatically released, without delivery of any instrument or any action by any party, (i) upon payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes and all other Obligations under this Indenture, the Guarantees under this Indenture and the Security Documents that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, are paid (including pursuant to a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture in accordance with Section 8.01(a)) or (ii) upon a legal defeasance or covenant defeasance in accordance with Section 8.01(b).
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(c) Any security interest on any Collateral securing the Notes Obligations shall, at the request of the Issuer to the Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent, and as accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, be released or subordinated to the holder of any Lien on such Collateral securing any Capitalized Lease Obligations or purchase money indebtedness to the extent required by the terms of the Obligations secured by such Liens; provided that such Lien is not prohibited by Section 4.12.
(d) With respect to any release or subordination of the Liens securing the Notes Obligations, upon receipt of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture and the Security Documents (and, as applicable, any Intercreditor Agreement), to such release or subordination have been met and of any necessary or proper instruments of termination, satisfaction, discharge or release prepared by the Issuer, the Trustee shall, or shall cause the Notes Collateral Agent to, execute, deliver or acknowledge (at the Issuer’s expense) such instruments or releases (whether electronically or in writing) to evidence, and shall do or cause to be done all other acts reasonably necessary to effect, in each case as soon as reasonably practicable, the release and discharge or subordination of any Collateral permitted to be released or subordinated pursuant to this Indenture, the Security Documents or, as applicable, any Intercreditor Agreement. Neither the Trustee nor the Notes Collateral Agent shall be liable for any such release or subordination undertaken in reliance upon any such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel, and notwithstanding any term hereof or in any Security Document or in any Intercreditor Agreement to the contrary, but without limiting any automatic release provided hereunder or under any Security Document, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to release or subordinate any such Lien and security interest, or execute and deliver any such instrument of release, satisfaction, discharge or termination, unless and until it receives such Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel.
SECTION 10.03 Suits to Protect the Collateral.
Subject to the provisions of Article VII and the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee may, at the direction of holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Notes, direct the Notes Collateral Agent to take all actions necessary or appropriate in order to:
(a) enforce any of the terms of the Security Documents; and
(b) collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the Notes Obligations hereunder.
Subject to the provisions of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent shall have power to institute and to maintain such suits and proceedings as the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent may deem expedient to prevent any impairment of the Collateral by any acts which may be unlawful or in violation of any of the Security Documents or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent may deem expedient to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the holders in the Collateral. Nothing in this Section 10.03 shall be considered to impose any such duty or obligation to act on the part of the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent.
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SECTION 10.04 Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents.
Subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements and the Security Documents, the Trustee is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of the holders distributed under the Security Documents, and to make further distributions of such funds to the holders according to the provisions of this Indenture.
SECTION 10.05 Purchaser Protected.
In no event shall any purchaser in good faith of any property purported to be released hereunder be bound to ascertain the authority of the Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee to execute the applicable release or to inquire as to the satisfaction of any conditions required by the provisions hereof for the exercise of such authority or to see to the application of any consideration given by such purchaser or other transferee; nor shall any purchaser or other transferee of any property or rights permitted by this Article 10 to be sold be under any obligation to ascertain or inquire into the authority of the Issuer or the applicable Guarantor to make any such sale or other transfer.
SECTION 10.06 Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee.
In case the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully appointed, the powers conferred in this Article X upon the Issuer or a Guarantor with respect to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or trustee shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of the Issuer or a Guarantor or of any Officer or Officers thereof required by the provisions of this Article X; and if the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent shall be in the possession of the Collateral under any provision of this Indenture, then such powers may be exercised by the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent.
SECTION 10.07 Notes Collateral Agent.
(a) Each of the holders by acceptance of the Notes, and each beneficial owner of an interest in a Note, hereby designates and appoint the Notes Collateral Agent as its agent under this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements and each of the holders by acceptance of the Notes, and each beneficial owner of an interest in a Note, hereby irrevocably authorizes the Notes Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements, if any, and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Notes Collateral Agent by the terms of this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements, if any, and consents and agrees to the terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements and each Security Document (as applicable), as the same may be in effect or may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with their respective terms. The Notes Collateral Agent agrees to act as such on the express conditions contained in this Section 10.07. Each holder agrees that any action taken by the Notes Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Security Documents (as applicable), and the exercise by the Notes Collateral Agent of any rights or remedies set forth herein and therein shall be authorized and binding upon all holders. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements (as applicable) the duties of the Notes Collateral Agent shall be ministerial and administrative in nature, and
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the Notes Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein and in the Security Documents and/or the Intercreditor Agreements (as applicable) to which the Notes Collateral Agent is a party, nor shall the Notes Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any trust or other fiduciary relationship with the Trustee, any holder or any Grantor, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements or otherwise exist against the Notes Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” in this Indenture with reference to the Notes Collateral Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.
(b) The Notes Collateral Agent may perform any of its duties under this Indenture, the Security Documents and/or the Intercreditor Agreements (as applicable) by or through receivers, agents, employees, attorneys-in-fact or with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates, and the respective officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors and attorneys-in-fact of such Person and its Affiliates (a “Related Person”), and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in taking action in reliance upon any advice or opinion given by legal counsel. The Notes Collateral Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or willful misconduct of any receiver, agent, employee, attorney-in-fact or Related Person that it selects as long as such selection was made in good faith and with due care. The exculpatory provisions of this Article X shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Affiliates of the Notes Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent.
(c) None of the Notes Collateral Agent or any of its respective Related Persons shall (i) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by any of them under or in connection with this Indenture or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment) or under or in connection with any Security Document and/or Intercreditor Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment), or (ii) be responsible in any manner to any of the Trustee or any holder for any recital, statement, representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the Issuer or any other Grantor or Affiliate of any Grantor, or any Officer or Related Person thereof, contained in this Indenture, the Security Documents and/or the Intercreditor Agreements or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Notes Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Indenture, the Security Documents and/or the Intercreditor Agreements or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Indenture, the Security Documents and/or the Intercreditor Agreements or for any failure of any Grantor or any other party to this Indenture, the Security Documents and/or the Intercreditor Agreements to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder (if any). None of the Notes Collateral Agent or any of its Related Persons shall be under any obligation to the Trustee or any holder to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Indenture, the Security Documents and/or the Intercreditor Agreements, if any, or to inspect the properties, books, or records of any Grantor or any Grantor’s Affiliates.
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(d) The Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, certification, telephone message, statement, or other communication, document or conversation (including those by telephone or e-mail) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent, or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including, without limitation, counsel to the Issuer or any other Grantor), independent accountants and other experts and advisors selected by the Notes Collateral Agent. The Notes Collateral Agent 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, or other paper or document. Unless otherwise expressly required hereunder or pursuant to the Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement, the Notes Collateral Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Indenture, the Security Documents and/or any Intercreditor Agreement unless it shall first receive such written advice or concurrence of the Trustee or the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes as it determines and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the holders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. The Notes Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Indenture, the Security Documents and/or the Intercreditor Agreements in accordance with a request, direction, instruction or consent of the Trustee or the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the holders.
(e) The Notes Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, unless a Responsible Officer of the Notes Collateral Agent shall have received written notice from the Trustee or the Issuer referring to this Indenture, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default” and such notice references the Notes, the Issuer and this Indenture. The Notes Collateral Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as may be requested by the Trustee in accordance with Article VI or the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes (subject to this Section 10.07).
(f) The Notes Collateral Agent under this Indenture may resign at any time by xxxxxx (30) Business Days’ written notice to the Trustee and the Issuer, such resignation to be effective upon the acceptance of a successor agent to its appointment as Notes Collateral Agent. If the Notes Collateral Agent resigns under this Indenture, the Issuer shall appoint a successor collateral agent. If no successor collateral agent is appointed prior to the intended effective date of the resignation of the Notes Collateral Agent (as stated in the notice of resignation), the Trustee, at the written direction of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, may appoint a successor collateral agent under this Indenture, subject to the consent of the Issuer (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld and which shall not be required during a continuing Event of Default). If no successor collateral agent is appointed and consented to by the Issuer pursuant to the preceding sentence within 30 days after the intended effective date of resignation (as stated in the notice of resignation) the Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor collateral agent hereunder, such successor collateral agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Notes Collateral Agent, and the term “Notes Collateral Agent” shall include such successor collateral agent, and the retiring Notes Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Notes Collateral Agent shall be
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terminated. After the retiring Notes Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Section 10.07 (and Section 7.07 hereof) shall continue to inure to its benefit and the retiring Notes Collateral Agent shall not by reason of such resignation be deemed to be released from liability as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Notes Collateral Agent under this Indenture.
(g) Except as otherwise explicitly provided herein or in the Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement, neither the Notes Collateral Agent nor any of its respective officers, directors, employees or agents or other Related Persons shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral or any part thereof. The Notes Collateral Agent shall be accountable only for amounts that it actually receives as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither the Notes Collateral Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment.
(h) The Trustee and/or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, are hereby authorized and directed to, and hereby agree to, whether on or after the Issue Date (i) enter into and/or join the Security Documents to which it is party (and any joinders, supplements or amendments thereto contemplated hereby), (ii) enter into and/or join the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement (and any joinders, supplements or amendments thereto contemplated hereby), (iii) enter into and/or join any Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement or any other Intercreditor Agreement (and any joinders, supplements or amendments thereto contemplated hereby), (iv) make any representations of the holders set forth in the Security Documents, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, any Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement or any other Intercreditor Agreement, (v) bind the holders on the terms as set forth in the Security Documents, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, any Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement and any other Intercreditor Agreement and (vi) perform and observe its obligations under the Security Documents, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, any Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement and any other Intercreditor Agreement. Any such action shall be at the direction and expense of the Issuer and shall be accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution is authorized or permitted pursuant to this Indenture; provided that neither an Officers’ Certificate nor an Opinion of Counsel shall be required in connection with the entry into the to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement by the Notes Collateral Agent on the Issue Date.
(i) If applicable, the Notes Collateral Agent is each holder’s agent for the purpose of perfecting the holders’ security interest in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, can be perfected only by possession. Should the Trustee obtain possession of any such Collateral, upon written request from the Issuer, the Trustee shall notify the Notes Collateral Agent thereof and promptly shall, subject to the Intercreditor Agreements, deliver such Collateral to the Notes Collateral Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Notes Collateral Agent’s instructions.
(j) The Notes Collateral Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Trustee or any of the holders to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by any Grantor or is cared for, protected, or insured or has been encumbered, or that the Notes Collateral Agent’s Liens have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected, maintained or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to determine whether all or the Grantor’s property constituting Collateral intended
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to be subject to the Lien and security interest of the Security Documents has been properly and completely listed or delivered, as the case may be, or the genuineness, validity, marketability or sufficiency thereof or title thereto, or to exercise at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care, disclosure, or fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities, and powers granted or available to the Notes Collateral Agent pursuant to this Indenture, any Security Document or any Intercreditor Agreement, other than pursuant to the instructions of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes or as otherwise provided in the Security Documents.
(k) If the Issuer or any Guarantor (i) incurs any Pari Passu Lien Obligations or other secured obligations at any time when applicable intercreditor agreements are not in effect (which obligations are required to be subject to an intercreditor agreement), and (ii) delivers to the Notes Collateral Agent (and, if applicable, the Trustee) an Officers’ Certificate so stating and requesting that the Notes Collateral Agent (and, if applicable, the Trustee) enter into a Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, an Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement or any other intercreditor agreement having substantially similar terms with respect to the holders as those set forth in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or any Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement, taken as a whole, in favor of a designated agent or representative for the holders of the Pari Passu Lien Obligations or other secured obligations so incurred, together with an Opinion of Counsel, the Notes Collateral Agent (and, if applicable, the Trustee) shall (and is hereby authorized and directed to, and agrees to) enter into any such Intercreditor Agreement (at the sole expense and cost of the Issuer, including legal fees and expenses of the Notes Collateral Agent), bind the holders on the terms set forth therein and perform and observe its obligations thereunder.
(l) No provision of this Indenture, any Security Document or any Intercreditor Agreement shall require the Notes Collateral Agent (or the Trustee) to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or thereunder or to take or omit to take any action hereunder or thereunder or take any action at the request or direction of holders (or the Trustee in the case of the Notes Collateral Agent), unless it shall have received indemnity and/or security satisfactory to the Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee against potential costs and liabilities incurred by the Notes Collateral Agent and the Trustee relating thereto.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, in the event the Notes Collateral Agent is entitled or required to commence an action to foreclose or otherwise exercise its remedies to acquire control or possession of the Collateral, the Notes Collateral Agent shall not be required to commence any such action or exercise any remedy or to inspect or conduct any studies of any property under the mortgages or take any such other action if the Notes Collateral Agent has determined that the Notes Collateral Agent may incur personal liability as a result of the presence at, or release on or from, the Collateral or such property, of any hazardous substances. The Notes Collateral Agent shall at any time be entitled to cease taking any action described in this clause (l) if it no longer reasonably deems any indemnity, security or undertaking from the Issuer or the holders to be sufficient.
(m) The Notes Collateral Agent (i) shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in connection with this Indenture, the Security Documents and/or the Intercreditor Agreements or instrument referred to herein or therein, except to the extent that any of the foregoing are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from its own bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment, (ii) shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the
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Notes Collateral Agent may agree in writing with the Issuer (and money held in trust by the Notes Collateral Agent need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law) and (iii) may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice or opinion of such counsel as to matters of law shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel. The grant of permissive rights or powers to the Notes Collateral Agent shall not be construed to impose duties to act.
(n) Neither the Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its control. Such acts shall include but not be limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts, riots, acts of war, epidemics, governmental regulations superimposed after the fact, fire, communication line failures, computer viruses, power failures, earthquakes or other disasters. Neither the Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages (included but not limited to lost profits) whatsoever, even if it has been informed of the likelihood thereof and regardless of the form of action.
(o) The Notes Collateral Agent does not assume any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by the Issuer or any other Grantor under this Indenture, the Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement. The Notes Collateral Agent shall not be responsible to the holders or any other Person for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in this Indenture, the Security Documents, any Intercreditor Agreement, or in any certificate, report, statement, or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Notes Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Indenture, any Security Document or any Intercreditor Agreement; the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of any Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement of any other party thereto; the genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value, sufficiency, location or existence of any Collateral, or the validity, effectiveness, enforceability, sufficiency, extent, perfection or priority of any Lien therein; the validity, enforceability or collectability of any Obligations; the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any obligor; or for any failure of any obligor to perform its Obligations under this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements. The Notes Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to any holder or any other Person to ascertain or inquire into the existence of any Default or Event of Default, the observance or performance by any obligor of any terms of this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent contained in this Indenture, any Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement or for the performance or observance of any covenants, agreements or other terms and conditions set forth under this Indenture, the Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement. The Notes Collateral Agent shall not be required to initiate or conduct any litigation or collection or other proceeding under this Indenture, the Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement unless expressly set forth hereunder or thereunder. Unless otherwise directed hereunder, the Notes Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time to seek instructions from the holders with respect to the administration of this Indenture, the Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement.
(p) Subject to the provisions of the applicable Security Documents and any applicable Intercreditor Agreement, each holder, by acceptance of the Notes, agrees that the Trustee and/or Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall execute and deliver the Intercreditor Agreements and the Security Documents, or joinder or similar agreements in respect thereof, to which it is (or is to be) a party and all
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agreements, documents and instruments incidental thereto (including any releases of Collateral permitted hereunder), and act in accordance with the terms thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, the Notes Collateral Agent shall not be required to exercise discretion under this Indenture, the Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement and shall not be required to make or give any determination, consent, approval, request or direction requiring such discretion without the written direction of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes or the Trustee, as applicable, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein or therein.
(q) After the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee, acting at the direction of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, may, subject to the Intercreditor Agreements, direct the Notes Collateral Agent in connection with any action required or permitted by this Indenture, the Security Documents or Intercreditor Agreements.
(r) The Notes Collateral Agent is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of itself, the Trustee and the holders distributed under the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements and to the extent not prohibited under the Intercreditor Agreements, if any, for turnover to the Trustee to make further distributions of such funds to itself, the Trustee and the holders in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.10 and the other provisions of this Indenture.
(s) In each case that the Notes Collateral Agent may or is required hereunder or under any Security Document or any Intercreditor Agreement to take any discretionary action (an “Action”), including without limitation to make any determination, to give consents, to exercise rights, powers or remedies, to release or sell Collateral (unless such release is expressly provided for hereunder or thereunder) or otherwise to act in its discretion hereunder or under any Security Document or any Intercreditor Agreement, the Notes Collateral Agent may seek direction from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes. The Notes Collateral Agent shall not be liable with respect to any Action taken or omitted to be taken by it in accordance with the direction from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes. If the Notes Collateral Agent shall request direction from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes with respect to any Action, the Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such Action unless and until the Notes Collateral Agent shall have received direction from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, and the Notes Collateral Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining.
(t) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or in any Security Document or in any Intercreditor Agreement, in no event shall the Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee be responsible for, or have any duty or obligation with respect to, the recording, filing, registering, perfection, protection or maintenance of the security interests or Liens intended to be created by this Indenture, the Security Documents, or any Intercreditor Agreement (including without limitation the filing or continuation of any UCC financing or continuation statements or similar documents or instruments), nor shall the Notes Collateral Agent or the Trustee be responsible for, and neither the Notes Collateral Agent nor the Trustee makes any representation regarding, the validity, effectiveness or priority of any of the Security Documents or the security interests or Liens intended to be created thereby.
(u) Before the Notes Collateral Agent acts or refrains from acting in each case at the written request or direction of the Issuer or the Guarantors, other than as set forth in this Indenture, it may require an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, which shall conform to the provisions of this Section 10.07 and Section 13.04 hereof. The Notes Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion.
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(v) The rights, privileges, benefits, immunities, indemnities and other protections given to the Trustee are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Notes Collateral Agent as if the Notes Collateral Agent were named as the Trustee herein and in the Security Documents.
SECTION 10.08 Perfection and Collateral Exceptions.
(a) Neither the Issuer nor any Subsidiary of the Issuer shall be required to execute and deliver any supplemental guarantee, Security Document or any other document or xxxxx x Xxxx on any Capital Stock or other property held by it if such action would be in respect of an Excluded Asset or otherwise would not be required with respect to the Collateral owned by the Issuer or a Guarantor pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents.
(b) So long as any Senior Secured Credit Agreement Obligations are outstanding, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not be required to take certain actions specified in the Security Agreement to perfect Liens of the Notes Collateral Agent if such actions are not requested by the Senior Secured Credit Agreement Collateral Agent in respect of such Senior Secured Credit Agreement Obligations.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Notes Documents, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall not be required to:
(i) enter into control agreements, lockbox or similar arrangements with respect to, or otherwise perfect any security interest by “control” (or similar arrangements) over, commodities accounts, securities accounts, deposit accounts, futures accounts, other bank accounts, cash and cash equivalents and accounts related to the clearing, payment processing and similar operations of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries,
(ii) perfect the security interest in the following other than by the filing of a UCC financing statement: (1) letter-of-credit rights (as defined in the UCC) and (2) commercial tort claims (as defined in the UCC) with a value of less than $10 million;
(iii) enter into, make or obtain any (x) security documents to be governed by the law of any jurisdiction outside of the United States or (y) other non-U.S. law filings or non-U.S. consents or corporate or organizational action in respect of security, including with respect to any share pledges and any intellectual property registered in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or (2) take any other action in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or required by the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction to create, perfect or maintain any security interest or otherwise; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not affect the requirements to deliver certificates and related stock powers in respect of Equity Interests of non-U.S. Subsidiaries constituting Collateral that would otherwise be required to be delivered pursuant to the Security Documents, or
(iv) deliver landlord waivers, estoppels or collateral access letters.
Additionally, neither the Issuer nor any Guarantor shall be required to make any filings or take any other actions to perfect, evidence or create the Lien on and security interest in any intellectual property except for filings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office and the filing of UCC financing statements.
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SECTION 10.09 Intercreditor Agreements.
The terms of this Indenture are subject to the terms of any Intercreditor Agreement entered into in accordance with this Indenture.
ARTICLE XI
ESCROW MATTERS
SECTION 11.01 Escrow Account.
(a) On the Issue Date, the Escrow Issuer and Trustee shall enter into the Escrow Agreement with Forward and the Escrow Agent, pursuant to which (i) the Escrow Issuer shall cause to be deposited an amount equal to the gross proceeds from the sale of the Notes and (ii) Forward shall deposit or cause to be deposited an amount of cash that would be sufficient to fund all interest that would have accrued on the Notes if a Special Mandatory Redemption were to occur on the last day of the first full month following the Issue Date, in each case, into a segregated escrow account (the “Escrow Account”) denominated in U.S. dollars. The Escrowed Property in the Escrow Account shall be controlled by the Escrow Agent on behalf of the Trustee and the holders.
(b) The Escrowed Property will be held in the Escrow Account until the earlier of (i) the Escrow Release in accordance with Section 11.02 and (ii) the Special Mandatory Redemption Date.
(c) To secure the payment of the Special Mandatory Redemption, the Escrow Issuer shall grant to the Trustee, for its benefit and the benefit of the holders, a security interest in the Escrowed Property; provided, however, that such lien and security interest shall automatically be released and terminated at such time as the Escrowed Property is released from the Escrow Account on the Escrow Release Date.
SECTION 11.02 Release of Escrowed Property.
(a) Subject to Section 3.09, the Escrow Issuer shall only be entitled to direct the Escrow Agent to release Escrowed Property (in which case the Escrowed Property shall be paid to or as jointly directed by the Escrow Issuer in accordance with the instructions provided in the Escrow Release Officers’ Certificate) (the “Escrow Release”) upon delivery to the Escrow Agent and the Trustee, on or prior to June 30, 2024 (the “Escrow Outside Date”), an Officers’ Certificate (the “Escrow Release Officers’ Certificate”) certifying that the following conditions (the “Escrow Conditions”) have been, or substantially concurrently with the release of the Escrowed Property will be, satisfied:
(1) the Merger shall have been, or substantially concurrently with the Escrow Release will be, consummated; and
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(2) (i) the Escrow Issuer shall have been, or substantially concurrently with the Escrow Release shall be, merged with and into the Ultimate Issuer (the “Escrow Merger”) and the Ultimate Issuer shall have assumed, or substantially concurrently with the Escrow Release shall assume, by supplemental indenture or joinder, as applicable, all of the obligations of the Escrow Issuer under the Notes, this Indenture and the Security Documents and (ii) the Guarantors shall have, by supplemental indenture or joinder, substantially concurrently with the Escrow Release, become, Guarantors and parties to this Indenture and the Security Documents.
SECTION 11.03 Trustee Direction to Execute Escrow Agreement.
By its acceptance of the Notes, each holder shall be deemed to have authorized and directed the Trustee to execute, deliver and perform its obligations, if any, under the Escrow Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a foreclosure by the Trustee on the Escrowed Property in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement, the proceeds of the Escrow Account shall be applied in accordance with Section 6.10.
ARTICLE XII
GUARANTEE
SECTION 12.01 Guarantee.
(a) Prior to the Completion Date, the Notes will not be guaranteed. On the Completion Date, Forward and each existing Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Excluded Subsidiary) of the Issuer shall execute a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto, whereby such Person shall agree to jointly and severally guarantee on a secured, unsubordinated basis the performance and punctual payment when due, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all Obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes, whether for payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, expenses, indemnification or otherwise (all such Obligations guaranteed by such Guarantors being herein 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 any Guarantor, and that each Guarantor shall remain bound under this Article XII notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guaranteed Obligation.
(b) Each Guarantor waives presentation to, demand of payment from and protest to the Issuer of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and also waives notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Guarantor waives notice of any default under the Notes or the Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantee of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by (i) the failure of any holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Issuer or any other Person under this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement or otherwise; (ii) any extension or renewal of this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement; (iii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement; (iv) the release of any security held by any holder or the Trustee for the Guaranteed Obligations or each Guarantor; (v) the failure of any holder or Trustee to exercise any right or remedy against any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (vi) any change in the ownership of each Guarantor, except as provided in Section 12.02(b). Each Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have its Guarantee hereunder divided among the Guarantors, such that such Guarantor’s Guarantee would be less than the full amount claimed.
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(c) Each Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to have the assets of the Issuer first be used and depleted as payment of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee hereunder prior to any amounts being claimed from or paid by such Guarantor hereunder. Each Guarantor hereby waives any right to which it may be entitled to require that the Issuer be sued prior to an action being initiated against such Guarantor.
(d) Each Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein constitutes a guarantee of payment and performance when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any holder or the Trustee to any security held for payment of the Guaranteed Obligations.
(e) The Guarantee of each Guarantor is, to the extent and in the manner set forth in this Article XII, equal in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness of such Guarantor.
(f) Except as expressly set forth in Sections 8.01(b), 12.02 and 12.06, the Guarantee of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guarantee of each Guarantor herein shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by the failure of any holder or the Trustee to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy under this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement, by any waiver or modification of any thereof, by any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Guaranteed Obligations, or by any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.
(g) Except as expressly set forth in Section 12.02(b), each Guarantor agrees that its Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guaranteed Obligations of such Guarantor. Each Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any holder or the Trustee upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Issuer or otherwise.
(h) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any holder or the Trustee has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Issuer to pay the principal of or interest on any Guaranteed Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, or to perform or comply with any other Guaranteed Obligation, each Guarantor hereby promises to and shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the holders or the Trustee an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid principal amount of such Guaranteed Obligations, (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations (but only to the extent not prohibited by applicable law) and (iii) all other monetary obligations of the Issuer to the holders and the Trustee.
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(i) Each Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the holders in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between it, on the one hand, and the holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article VI for the purposes of the Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereby, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such Guaranteed Obligations as provided in Article VI, such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purposes of this Section 12.01.
(j) Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and court costs) incurred by the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent in enforcing any rights under this Section 12.01.
(k) Upon request of the Trustee, each Guarantor shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.
SECTION 12.02 Limitation on Liability; Release of Guarantors.
(a) Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations guaranteed hereunder by each Guarantor shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be hereby guaranteed by the applicable Guarantor without rendering the Guarantee, as it relates to such Guarantor, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally or capital maintenance or corporate benefit rules applicable to guarantees for obligations of affiliates.
(b) Each Subsidiary Guarantor’s Guarantee shall automatically terminate and be of no further force or effect and such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically released from all obligations under this Article XII upon:
(i) the sale, disposition, exchange or other transfer (including through merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise) of the Capital Stock of the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor following which the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor is no longer a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, if such sale, disposition, exchange or other transfer is made in a manner not in violation of this Indenture; provided that if any Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall not be released from its Guarantee solely as a result of ceasing to be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary unless either (x) it is no longer a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Issuer or (y) such disposition is a good faith disposition to a bona fide unaffiliated third party (as determined by the Issuer in good faith) for fair market value and for a bona fide business purpose (as determined by the Issuer in good faith) (it being understood that this proviso shall not limit the release of any Subsidiary Guarantor that otherwise qualifies as an Excluded Subsidiary for reasons other than not being a Wholly Owned Subsidiary); provided, further, that the fair market value of such Subsidiary Guarantor at the time it is released from its Guarantee in accordance with clause (x) or (y) above as a result of the sale, disposition, exchange or other transfer of a portion (but not all) of its Capital Stock shall be treated as an Investment by the Issuer at the time of such release (and such release shall only be permitted if such deemed Investment is permitted;
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(ii) the release or discharge of the guarantee (other than as result of payment thereon) by such Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to (i) the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and (ii) all Capital Markets Indebtedness of the Issuer or any other Guarantor that would require such Subsidiary Guarantor to provide a Guarantee pursuant to the covenant described under Section 4.11 (including any release or discharge that would be conditioned only on the release or discharge of its Guarantee hereunder and/or of the guarantee of or Obligations under any Credit Agreement or any Capital Markets Indebtedness);
(iii) the Issuer’s exercise of its legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option pursuant to Section 8.01 or if the Issuer’s Obligations under this Indenture are discharged in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;
(iv) such Subsidiary Guarantor becoming an Excluded Subsidiary other than as a result of a transaction in violation of this Indenture;
(v) such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Subsidiary as a result of any foreclosure of any pledge or security interest securing Pari Passu Lien Obligations or other exercise of remedies in respect thereof subject to, in each case, the application of the proceeds of such foreclosure or exercise of remedies in the manner described under Article X;
(vi) the liquidation of such Subsidiary Guarantor in a transaction not in violation of this Indenture; or
(vii) the occurrence of a Fall-Away Event; provided that such Guarantee shall be reinstated upon the Reversion Date.
(c) The Guarantee of Forward or of any other Parent that provides a Guarantee will terminate upon the Issuer’s exercise of its legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option pursuant to Section 8.01 or if the Issuer’s Obligations are discharged in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.
SECTION 12.03 Non-Impairment.
The failure to endorse a Guarantee on any Note shall not affect or impair the validity thereof.
SECTION 12.04 Successors and Assigns.
This Article XII shall be binding upon each Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of the Trustee and the holders and, in the event of any transfer or assignment of rights by any holder or the Trustee, the rights and privileges conferred upon that party in this Indenture and in the Notes shall automatically extend to and be vested in such transferee or assignee, all subject to the terms and conditions of this Indenture.
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SECTION 12.05 No Waiver.
Neither a failure nor a delay on the part of either the Trustee or the holders in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Article XII shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any right, power or privilege. The rights, remedies and benefits of the Trustee and the holders herein expressly specified are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights, remedies or benefits which either may have under this Article XII at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.
SECTION 12.06 Modification.
No modification, amendment or waiver of any provision of this Article XII, nor the consent to any departure by any Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Trustee, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice to or demand on any Guarantor in any case shall entitle any Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.
SECTION 12.07 Execution of Supplemental Indenture for Future Guarantors.
Following the Completion Date, each Subsidiary which is required to become a Guarantor of the Notes pursuant to Section 4.11 shall promptly execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto pursuant to which such Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor under this Article XII and shall guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate, as provided under Section 9.05.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 13.01 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 13.02 Notices.
(a) Any notice or communication required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and delivered in person, via facsimile, electronic mail or mailed by first-class mail (unless such notice recipient consents to an alternative form of delivery) addressed as follows:
if to the Issuer (prior to the Completion Date):
GN Bondco, LLC
c/o Omni Newco, LLC
Attn. Xxxx Xxxx; Xxxxx Xxxxxx
0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx., Xxxxx 000
Dallas, TX 75019
E-Mail: xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
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if to the Issuer and the Guarantors (on and after the Completion Date):
Clue Opco LLC
c/o Forward Air Corporation
Attn. Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Chief Financial Officer, and Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, Chief
Legal Officer
1915 Snapps Ferry Road, Bldg. N
Greeneville, TN 37745
E-Mail: XXxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx and XXxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx
if to the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent:
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
Attn. Global Corporate Trust Services
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Nashville, TN 37201
E-Mail: xxxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxx.xxx or xxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx
The Issuer, the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
(b) Any notice or communication mailed to a holder shall be mailed, first class mail, to the holder at the holder’s address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and shall be sufficiently given if so mailed within the time prescribed.
(c) 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, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it, except that notices to the Trustee are effective only if received.
The Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent shall have the right to accept and act upon instructions, including funds transfer instructions (“Instructions”) given pursuant to this Indenture and delivered using Electronic Means; provided, however, that the Issuer shall provide to the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, an incumbency certificate listing officers with the authority to provide such Instructions (“Authorized Officers”) and containing specimen signatures of such Authorized Officers, which incumbency certificate shall be amended by the Issuer whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the Issuer elects to give the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, Instructions using Electronic Means and the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, in its discretion elects to act upon such Instructions, the Trustee’s or the Notes Collateral Agent’s, as applicable, understanding of such Instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Issuer understands and agrees that the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, cannot determine the identity of the actual sender of such Instructions and that the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall conclusively presume that directions that purport to have been sent by an Authorized Officer listed on the incumbency certificate provided to the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, have been sent by such Authorized Officer. The Issuer shall be responsible for ensuring that only Authorized Officers transmit such Instructions to the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, and that the Issuer and all Authorized Officers are solely responsible to safeguard the use and
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confidentiality of applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys upon receipt by the Issuer. The Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s or the Notes Collateral Agent’s, as applicable, reliance upon and compliance with such Instructions notwithstanding such directions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction, except to the extent such losses, costs or expenses arise from the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Trustee or the Notes Collateral Agent, as applicable.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, as long as the Notes are in the form of a Global Note, notice to the holders may be made electronically in accordance with procedures of DTC.
SECTION 13.03 Communication by the Holders with Other Holders.
The holders may communicate pursuant to Section 312(b) of the TIA with other holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Issuer, the Trustee, the Registrar and other Persons shall have the protection of Section 312(c) of the TIA.
SECTION 13.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.
Upon any request or application by the Issuer to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee at the request of the Trustee:
(a) an Officers’ Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and
(b) except upon the issuance of the Initial Notes, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.
SECTION 13.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.
Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture (other than pursuant to Section 4.09) shall include:
(a) a statement that the individual making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(b) 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;
(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and
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(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with; provided, however, that with respect to matters of fact an Opinion of Counsel may rely on an Officers’ Certificate or certificates of public officials.
SECTION 13.06 When Notes Disregarded.
In determining whether the holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Issuer, the Guarantors or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuer or the Guarantors shall be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes which the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Subject to the foregoing, only Notes outstanding at the time shall be considered in any such determination.
SECTION 13.07 Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar.
The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of the holders. The Registrar and a Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.
SECTION 13.08 Legal Holidays.
If a payment date is not a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, and no interest shall accrue on any amount that would have been otherwise payable on such payment date if it were a Business Day for the intervening period. If a regular Record Date is not a Business Day, the Record Date shall not be affected.
SECTION 13.09 GOVERNING LAW.
THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE GUARANTEES AND THE SECURITY DOCUMENTS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 13.10 No Recourse Against Others.
No director, officer, employee, manager or incorporator of, and no holder of any Equity Interests in, the Issuer or any Parent, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the Notes, the Guarantees, this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, as applicable, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of the Notes 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 13.11 Successors.
All agreements of the Issuer and the Guarantors in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind such Person’s successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.
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SECTION 13.12 Multiple Originals.
This Indenture shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party when executed and delivered by a Responsible Officer on behalf of the party by means of (i) an original manual signature; (ii) a facsimile, scan or photocopy of a manual signature, or (iii) any other electronic mail (including any electronic signature permitted by federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including any relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (collectively, “Signature Law”), in each case to the extent applicable. Each faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature, or other electronic signature, shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature, or other electronic signature, of any other party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For the avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the UCC or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.
SECTION 13.13 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 13.14 Indenture Controls.
If and to the extent that any provision of the Notes limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of this Indenture, such provision of this Indenture shall control.
SECTION 13.15 Severability.
In case any provision in this Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.
SECTION 13.16 Waiver of Jury Trial.
EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS, THE HOLDERS, THE TRUSTEE AND THE NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
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SECTION 13.17 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 13.18 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 13.19 USA PATRIOT Act.
The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (“USA PATRIOT Act”), the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act.
SECTION 13.20 Submission to Jurisdiction.
The parties irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the parties irrevocably waive and agree not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, any claim that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
SECTION 13.21 FATCA.
In order to enable the Trustee to comply with applicable tax laws, rules and regulations (including directives, guidelines and interpretations promulgated by competent authorities) in effect from time to time (“Applicable Law”), the Issuer agrees to provide to the Trustee tax information about holders or the transactions contemplated hereby (including any modification to the terms of such transactions), to the extent such information is directly available to the Issuer, and to the extent that the provision is permitted under Applicable Law, so that the Trustee can determine whether it has tax-related obligations under Applicable Law and the Issuer acknowledges that the Trustee shall be entitled to make any withholding or deduction from payments under this Indenture to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
GN BONDCO, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxx | |
Name: | Xxxx Xxxx | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
TRUSTEE AND NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT: | ||
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee and as Notes Collateral Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxx | |
Name: | Xxxxx Xxxxx | |
Title: | Vice President |
[Signature Page to Indenture]
APPENDIX A
PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE NOTES
2. Definitions.
2.1 Certain Definitions.
For the purposes of this Appendix A the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
“Definitive Note” means a certificated Note (bearing the Restricted Notes Legend if the transfer of such Note is restricted by applicable law) that does not include the Global Notes Legend.
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company or any successor securities clearing agency.
“Global Notes Legend” means the legend set forth under that caption in Exhibit A to this Indenture.
“IAI” means an institutional “accredited investor” as described in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.
“Notes Custodian” means the custodian with respect to a Global Note (as appointed by DTC) or any successor person thereto, who shall initially be the Trustee.
“QIB” means a Person reasonably believed to be a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.
“Regulation S” means Regulation S under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S Notes” means all Notes offered and sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S.
“Restricted Notes Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.2(f)(i) herein.
“Restricted Period,” with respect to any Notes, means the period of 40 consecutive days beginning on and including the later of (a) the day on which such Notes are first offered to persons other than distributors (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) in reliance on Regulation S, notice of which day shall be promptly given by the Issuer to the Trustee, and (b) the Issue Date, and with respect to any Additional Notes that are Transfer Restricted Notes, it means the comparable period of 40 consecutive days.
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
“Rule 144A Notes” means all Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A.
“Rule 501” means Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.
Appendix A-1
“Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes” means Definitive Notes that bear or are required to bear or are subject to the Restricted Notes Legend.
“Transfer Restricted Global Notes” means Global Notes that bear or are required to bear or are subject to the Restricted Notes Legend.
“Transfer Restricted Notes” means the Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes and Transfer Restricted Global Notes.
“Unrestricted Definitive Notes” means Definitive Notes that are not required to bear, or are not subject to, the Restricted Notes Legend.
“Unrestricted Global Notes” means Global Notes that are not required to bear, or are not subject to, the Restricted Notes Legend.
2.2 Other Definitions.
Term: | Defined in Section: | |
Agent Members | 2.1(b) | |
Clearstream | 2.1(b) | |
Euroclear | 2.1(b) | |
Global Notes | 2.1(b) | |
Regulation S Global Notes | 2.1(b) | |
Regulation S Permanent Global Notes | 2.1(b) | |
Regulation S Temporary Global Notes | 2.1(b) | |
Rule 144A Global Notes | 2.1(b) |
3. The Notes.
3.1 Form and Dating; Global Notes.
(a) The Notes issued on the date hereof will be sold, initially, only to (1) QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A and (2) Persons other than U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S) in reliance on Regulation S. Such Notes may thereafter be transferred to, among others, QIBs, purchasers in reliance on Regulation S and, except as set forth below, IAIs in accordance with Rule 501. Additional Notes offered after the date hereof may be offered and sold by the Issuer from time to time pursuant to one or more agreements in accordance with applicable law.
(b) Global Notes. (i) Except as provided in clause (d) of Section 2.2 below, Rule 144A Notes initially shall be represented by one or more Notes in definitive, fully registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the “Rule 144A Global Notes”).
Regulation S Notes initially shall be represented by one or more Notes in fully registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the “Regulation S Temporary Global Note” and, together with the Regulation S Permanent Global Note (defined below), the “Regulation S Global Notes”), which shall be registered in the name of DTC or the nominee of DTC and for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear system (“Euroclear”) or Clearstream Banking, Société Anonyme (“Clearstream”).
Appendix A-2
Following the termination of the Restricted Period, beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in a permanent Global Note (the “Regulation S Permanent Global Note”) pursuant to the applicable procedures of DTC. Simultaneously with the authentication of the Regulation S Permanent Global Note, the Trustee shall cancel the Regulation S Temporary Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, in connection with transfers of interest as hereinafter provided.
The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream Banking” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Note that are held by participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.
The term “Global Notes” means the Rule 144A Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes. The Global Notes shall bear the Global Note Legend. The Global Notes initially shall (i) be registered in the name of DTC or the nominee of DTC, in each case for credit to an account of an Agent Member, (ii) be delivered to the Trustee as custodian for DTC and (iii) bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
Members of, or direct or indirect participants in, DTC (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by DTC or the Trustee as its custodian, or under the Global Notes. DTC may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the absolute owner of the Global Notes for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of the holder of any Note.
DTC may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the sole owner of the Global Notes for all purposes under the Indenture and the Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by DTC or impair, as between DTC and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a holder of any Note.
(ii) Transfers of Global Notes shall be limited to transfers in whole, but not in part, to DTC, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in the Global Notes may be transferred or exchanged for Definitive Notes only in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and the provisions of Section 2.2. In addition, a Global Note shall be exchangeable for Definitive Notes if (x) in the case of Notes issued on the Issue Date, DTC (a) notifies the Issuer at any time that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for such Global Note and a successor depository is not appointed within 90 days or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and in each case a successor depository is not appointed within 90 days or (y) the Issuer, at its option and subject to the procedures of DTC, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Definitive Notes or (z) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Notes; provided that in no event shall the Regulation S Temporary Global Note be exchanged by the Issuer for Definitive Notes prior to (x) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the
Appendix A-3
Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act. In all cases, Definitive Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests therein shall be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with its customary procedures.
(iii) In connection with the transfer of a Global Note as an entirety to beneficial owners pursuant to subsection (ii) of this Section 2.1(b), such Global Note shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Issuer shall execute, and, upon written order of the Issuer signed by an Officer, the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, to each beneficial owner identified by DTC in writing in exchange for its beneficial interest in such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Definitive Notes of authorized denominations.
(iv) Any Transfer Restricted Note delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Note pursuant to Section 2.2 shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.2, bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
(v) Notwithstanding the foregoing, through the Restricted Period, a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note may be held only through Euroclear or Clearstream unless delivery is made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 2.2.
(vi) The holder of any Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.
3.2 Transfer and Exchange.
(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except as set forth in Section 2.1(b). Global Notes will not be exchanged by the Issuer for Definitive Notes except under the circumstances described in Section 2.1(b)(ii). Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Section 2.08 of this Indenture. Beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.2(b).
(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through DTC, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the applicable rules and procedures of DTC. Beneficial interests in Transfer Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Beneficial interests in Global Notes shall be transferred or exchanged only for beneficial interests in Global Notes. Transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:
(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Transfer Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Transfer Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Restricted Notes Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in a Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person. A beneficial interest in an 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 2.2(b)(i).
Appendix A-4
(ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests in any Global Note that is not subject to Section 2.2(b)(i), the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar (1) a written order from an Agent Member given to DTC in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of DTC directing DTC 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 rules and procedures of DTC containing information regarding the Agent Member account to be credited with such increase. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note pursuant to Section 2.2(g).
(iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Transfer Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.2(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a Rule 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note; and
(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note.
(iv) A beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.2(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Transfer 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 attached to the applicable Note; or
(B) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Transfer 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 attached to the applicable Note,
and, in each such case, if the Issuer or the Registrar so requests or if the applicable rules and procedures of DTC so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer and the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities
Appendix A-5
Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Restricted Notes Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (iv) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officers’ Certificate in accordance with Section 2.01 of the Indenture, 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 or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (iv).
(v) 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 Transfer Restricted Global Note.
(c) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes for Definitive Notes. A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note except under the circumstances described in Section 2.1(b)(ii). A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note except under the circumstances described in Section 2.1(b)(ii). In any case, beneficial interests in Global Notes shall be transferred or exchanged only for Definitive Notes.
(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. Transfers and exchanges of Definitive Notes for beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii) below, as applicable:
(i) Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Transfer Restricted Global Notes. If any holder of a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note 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 Transfer Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Transfer Restricted Note for a beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note;
(B) if such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note;
(C) if such Transfer 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 in the form attached to the applicable Note;
(D) if such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note;
Appendix A-6
(E) if such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to an IAI in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel, if applicable; or
(F) if such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note;
the Trustee shall cancel the Transfer Restricted Definitive Note, and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the appropriate Transfer Restricted Global Note.
(ii) Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A holder of a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the holder of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note; or
(B) if the holder of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note 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 attached to the applicable Note,
and, in each such case, if the Issuer or the Registrar so requests or if the applicable rules and procedures of DTC so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer and 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 Restricted Notes Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon satisfaction of the conditions of this subparagraph (ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note. If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (ii) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Transfer Restricted Notes transferred or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (ii).
(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Unrestricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Unrestricted Definitive Note 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,
Appendix A-7
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. If any such transfer or exchange is effected pursuant to this subparagraph (iii) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Unrestricted Definitive Notes transferred or exchanged pursuant to this subparagraph (iii).
(iv) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Transfer Restricted Global Notes. An Unrestricted Definitive Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Transfer Restricted Global Note.
(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a holder of Definitive Notes and such holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.2(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 2.2(e).
(i) Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes to Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes. A Transfer Restricted Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:
(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 attached to the applicable Note;
(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note;
(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note;
(D) if the transfer will be made to an IAI in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (A) through (D) above, a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note; and
(E) if such transfer will be made to the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof, a certificate in the form attached to the applicable Note.
Appendix A-8
(ii) Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Transfer Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the holder of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form attached to the applicable Note; or
(B) if the holder of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note 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 attached to the applicable Note,
and, in each such case, if the Issuer or the Registrar so request, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuer and 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 Restricted Notes Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may transfer such Unrestricted Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note at any time. 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.
(iv) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Transfer Restricted Definitive Notes. An Unrestricted Definitive Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of, a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note.
At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.10 of the Indenture. 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 DTC at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by DTC at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.
(f) Legend.
(i) Except as permitted by the following paragraph (iii), (iv) or (v), each Note certificate evidencing the Global Notes and any Definitive Notes (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (each defined term in the legend being defined as such for purposes of the legend only):
Appendix A-9
“THE SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED 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 ISSUER OF THIS SECURITY THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (1)(a) 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 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) (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUER OF THIS SECURITY IF THE ISSUER SO REQUESTS) 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 ISSUER IF THE ISSUER SO REQUESTS), (2) TO THE ISSUER OF THIS SECURITY 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 AND 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 IS MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 FOR RESALE OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY.
THE TERMS OF THIS NOTE ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENTS, AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED, RESTATED, SUPPLEMENTED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INDENTURE.”
(ii) Each Definitive Note shall bear the following additional Legend:
“IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.”
(iii) Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note, the Registrar shall permit the holder thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Note for a Definitive Note that does not bear the legends set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Definitive Note if the holder certifies in writing to the Registrar that its request for such exchange was made in reliance on Rule 144 (such certification to be in the form set forth on the reverse of the applicable Note).
Appendix A-10
(iv) Upon a sale or transfer after the expiration of the Restricted Period of any Note acquired pursuant to Regulation S, all requirements that such Note bear the Restricted Notes Legend shall cease to apply and the requirements requiring any such Note be issued in global form shall continue to apply.
(v) Any Additional Notes sold in a registered offering shall not be required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.
(g) Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Note. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.10 of this Indenture. 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 DTC at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by DTC at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.
(h) Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Notes.
(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate, Definitive Notes and Global Notes at the Registrar’s request.
(ii) No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax, assessments, or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes, assessments or similar governmental charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Sections 3.06, 4.06, 4.08 and 9.05 of this Indenture).
(iii) Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuer, the Trustee, a Paying Agent or the Registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(iv) All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.
(i) No Obligation of the Trustee.
(i) The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Note, a member of, or a participant in DTC or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of DTC or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than DTC) of any notice (including any notice of redemption or repurchase) or the payment of any
Appendix A-11
amount, under or with respect to such Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the holders and all payments to be made to the holders under the Notes shall be given or made only to the registered holders (which shall be DTC or its nominee in the case of a Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note shall be exercised only through DTC subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC. The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by DTC with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.
(ii) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among participants, members or beneficial owners of DTC in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.
Appendix A-12
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]
[Global Notes Legend]
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR 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 OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO DTC, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.
[Restricted Notes Legend]
THE SECURITY (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) EVIDENCED HEREBY WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 5 OF THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED 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 ISSUER OF THIS SECURITY THAT (A) SUCH SECURITY MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (1)(a) 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 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) (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUER OF THIS SECURITY IF THE ISSUER SO REQUESTS) 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 ISSUER IF THE ISSUER SO REQUESTS), (2) TO THE ISSUER OF THIS SECURITY 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 AND ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED
Exhibit A
HEREBY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE. NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 FOR RESALE OF THE SECURITY EVIDENCED HEREBY.
THE TERMS OF THIS NOTE ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THE INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENTS, AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED, RESTATED, SUPPLEMENTED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM TIME TO TIME IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INDENTURE.
[Definitive Notes Legend]
IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
[ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT]
THIS NOTE IS ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 1271 THROUGH 1277 OF THE UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED. A HOLDER MAY OBTAIN THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY FOR SUCH NOTE BY SUBMITTING A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR SUCH INFORMATION TO THE ISSUER AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: 1915 Snapps Ferry Road, Building N, Greeneville, Tennessee 37745.
Exhibit A
[FORM OF NOTE]
[GN BONDCO, LLC]1 [CLUE OPCO LLC]2
No. [ ] | 144A CUSIP No. [ ] | |
144A ISIN No. [ ] | ||
REG S CUSIP No. [ ] | ||
REG S ISIN No. [ ] | ||
$[______] |
9.500% Senior Secured Note due 2031
[GN Bondco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company]1 [Clue Opco LLC, a Delaware limited liability company]2, promises to pay to Cede & Co., or registered assigns, the principal sum set forth on the Schedule of Increases or Decreases in Global Note attached hereto on October 15, 2031.
Interest Payment Dates: April 15 and October 15, commencing April 15, 2024.
Record Dates: April 1 and October 1.
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
1 | Insert for Notes issued prior to the Completion Date. |
2 | Insert for Notes issued on or following the Completion Date. |
Exhibit A
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this instrument to be duly executed.
GN BONDCO, LLC | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Dated:
Exhibit A
TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION | ||
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL | ||
ASSOCIATION | ||
as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the Notes referred to in the Indenture. | ||
By: |
| |
Authorized Signatory | ||
Dated: |
Exhibit A
[FORM OF REVERSE SIDE OF NOTE]
9.500% Senior Secured Note Due 2031
1. | Interest |
GN Bondco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company to be merged with and into Clue Opco LLC (such entity, and its successors and assigns under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, being herein called, the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at the rate per annum shown above. The Issuer shall pay interest semiannually on April 15 and October 15 of each year (each an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing April 15, 2024. Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid or duly provided for, from October 2, 2023, until the principal hereof is due. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate borne by the Notes, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.
2. | Method of Payment |
The Issuer shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered holders at the close of business on April 1 and October 1 (each a “Record Date”) immediately preceding the Interest Payment Date even if Notes are canceled after the Record Date and on or before the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day). Holders must surrender Notes to the Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The Issuer shall pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in money of the United States of America that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. Payments in respect of the Notes represented by a Global Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by DTC. The Issuer shall make all payments in respect of a certificated Note (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) at the office of the Paying Agent, except that, at the option of the Issuer, payment of interest may be made by mailing a check to the registered address of each holder thereof; provided, however, that payments on the Notes may also be made, in the case of a holder of at least $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes, by wire transfer to a U.S. dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or Paying Agent to such effect designating such account no later than 30 days immediately preceding the relevant due date for payment (or such other date as the Trustee may accept in its discretion).
3. | Paying Agent and Registrar |
Initially, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee under the Indenture (the “Trustee”), will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may remove any Registrar or Paying Agent upon written notice to such Registrar or Paying Agent and to the Trustee; provided, however, that no such removal shall become effective until (i) if applicable, acceptance of an appointment by a successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Issuer and such successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as Registrar or Paying Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (i) above. The Issuer or any of its Wholly Owned Domestic Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
Exhibit A
4. | Indenture |
The Issuer issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of October 2, 2023 (the “Indenture”), among the Issuer and the Trustee. Capitalized terms used herein are used as defined in the Indenture, unless otherwise indicated. The Notes are subject to all terms and provisions of the Indenture, and the holders (as defined in the Indenture) are referred to the Indenture for a statement of such terms and provisions. If and to the extent that any provision of the Notes limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Indenture, such provision of the Indenture shall control.
The Notes are secured, unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer. This Note is one of the Initial Notes referred to in the Indenture. The Notes include any Additional Notes. The Initial Notes and any Additional Notes may, at the Issuer’s election, be treated as a single class of securities for all purposes under the Indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase; provided that if the Additional Notes are not fungible with the Initial Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Additional Notes will have a separate CUSIP and/or ISIN number, if applicable. From and after the Escrow Merger, the Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries to, among other things, make certain Investments and other Restricted Payments, Incur Indebtedness, enter into consensual restrictions upon the payment of certain dividends and distributions by such Restricted Subsidiaries, enter into or permit certain transactions with Affiliates, create or Incur Liens and make Asset Sales. The Indenture also imposes limitations on the ability of the Issuer and each Guarantor to consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its property. Certain of these limitations will cease to apply during a Suspension Period.
From and after the Escrow Merger (other than during a Suspension Period), the Guarantors (including each Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that is not an Excluded Subsidiary and that is required to guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations pursuant to Section 4.11 of the Indenture) shall jointly and severally guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
5. | Optional Redemption |
On or after October 15, 2026, the Issuer may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice mailed (or caused to be mailed) by the Issuer by first-class mail, or delivered electronically if held by DTC, to each holder’s registered address (with a copy to the Trustee), at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, 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), if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on October 15 of the years set forth below:
Period |
Redemption | |
2026 |
104.750% | |
2027 |
102.375% | |
2028 and thereafter |
100.000% |
Exhibit A
In addition, prior to October 15, 2026 and following the Escrow Merger, the Issuer may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice mailed (or caused to be mailed) by the Issuer by first-class mail, or delivered electronically if held by DTC, to each holder’s registered address (with a copy to the Trustee), at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the applicable 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).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time and from time to time on or prior to October 15, 2026 and following the Escrow Merger, the Issuer may redeem, at its option, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice mailed by the Issuer by first class mail, or delivered electronically if held by DTC, to each holder’s registered address, in the aggregate up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) in an amount not to exceed the amount of the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (1) by the Issuer or (2) by any Parent to the extent the net cash proceeds thereof are contributed to the common equity capital of the Issuer or used to purchase Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer, at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of principal amount thereof) of 109.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, 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, however, that at least 50% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) must remain outstanding after each such redemption; provided, further, that such redemption shall occur within 180 days after the date on which any such Equity Offering is consummated.
Notice of any redemption of Notes may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be given prior to the completion of a transaction (including an Equity Offering, an incurrence of Indebtedness, a Change of Control or other transaction) and any redemption notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Issuer) of one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of a related transaction. If such redemption is so subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and if applicable, shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied (or waived), or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied (or waived) by the redemption date, or by the redemption date as so delayed. In addition, the Issuer may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person. If any such condition precedent has not been satisfied (or waived by the Issuer), the Issuer shall provide written notice to the Trustee on or prior to the redemption date. Upon receipt, the Trustee shall provide such notice to each holder in the same manner in which the notice of redemption was given. Upon receipt of such notice by holders, the notice of redemption shall be rescinded or delayed, and the redemption of the Notes shall be rescinded or delayed, in each case as provided in such notice
Exhibit A
6. | Mandatory Redemption |
The Issuer shall not be required to make any mandatory redemption (other than the Special Mandatory Redemption, as applicable, pursuant to Section 3.09 of the Indenture) or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.
7. | Special Mandatory Redemption |
Prior to the Escrow Release Date, the Issuer is required to make a Special Mandatory Redemption of the Notes upon the occurrence of a Special Mandatory Redemption Event pursuant to Section 3.09 of the Indenture. Notice of a Special Mandatory Redemption of the Notes will be sent electronically to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee and the Escrow Agent, as set forth in Section 3.09 of the Indenture.
8. | Notice of Redemption |
Notices of redemption shall be delivered as set forth in Sections 3.05 or 3.09 of the Indenture, as applicable. On and after the redemption date, interest shall cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption so long as the Issuer has deposited with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the redemption price of, plus accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes or portions thereof to be redeemed, unless the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
9. | Repurchase of Notes at the Option of the Holders upon Change of Control and Asset Sales |
The Issuer will be required to make a Change of Control Offer as and to the extent set forth in (and only in the circumstances described in) Section 4.08 of the Indenture.
In accordance with Section 4.06 of the Indenture, the Issuer will be required to offer to purchase Notes upon the occurrence of certain events.
10. | Denominations; Transfer; Exchange |
The Notes are in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $2,000 principal amount and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. A holder shall register the transfer of or exchange of the Notes in accordance with the Indenture. Upon any registration of transfer or exchange, the Registrar and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Issuer may require a holder to pay any taxes required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuer shall not be required to make, and the Registrar need not register, transfers or exchanges of any Notes selected for redemption (except, in the case of a Note to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed) or of any Notes for a period of 15 days before the sending of a notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed.
11. | Persons Deemed Owners |
The registered holder of this Note shall be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
Exhibit A
12. | Unclaimed Money |
Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and each Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors, and the Trustee and each Paying Agent shall have no further liability with respect to such monies.
13. | Discharge and Defeasance |
Subject to certain conditions, the Issuer at any time may terminate some of or all its obligations under the Notes and the Indenture if the Issuer deposits with the Trustee cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof sufficient to pay the principal of and premium (if any) and interest on the Notes when due at maturity or redemption, as the case may be.
14. | Amendment; Waiver |
Subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Indenture, (i) the Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements and the Escrow Agreement may be amended with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and (ii) any past default or compliance with any provisions may be waived with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.
The Issuer, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent may amend the Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Escrow Agreement without notice to or the consent of any holder (i) to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency; (ii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Issuer (with respect to the Issuer) of the obligations of the Issuer under the Indenture and the Notes; (iii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Guarantor (with respect to any Guarantor) of the obligations of a Guarantor under the Indenture and its Guarantee; (iv) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes; provided, however, that uncertificated Notes are in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code; (v) to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements or the Escrow Agreement to any provision of the “Description of Secured Notes” in the Offering Memorandum; (vi) to add a Guarantee with respect to the Notes; (vii) to add Collateral to secure the Notes; (viii) to release a Guarantor from its Guarantee when permitted or required under the terms of the Indenture; (ix) to add to the covenants of the Issuer for the benefit of the holders or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer; (x) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with qualifying, or maintaining the qualification of, the Indenture under the TIA; (xi) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder in any material respect in the good faith determination of the Issuer; (xii) to effect any provision of the Indenture or to make changes to the Indenture to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes; (xiii) to make, complete or confirm any grant of a Lien or security interest in any property or assets as additional Collateral securing the Notes Obligations, including when permitted or required by the Indenture or the Security Document; (xiv) to release, terminate and/or discharge Collateral from the Lien securing the Notes Obligations when permitted or required by the Indenture, the Security Documents or any Intercreditor Agreement; (xv) to add Additional Secured Parties to any Intercreditor Agreement or any Security Document; (xvi) to enter into any intercreditor agreement having substantially similar terms with respect to the holders as those set
Exhibit A
forth in the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, taken as a whole; to enter an Acceptable Junior Intercreditor Agreement under circumstances provided in the Indenture and to enter any joinder to any of the foregoing; (xvii) to execute or amend any Security Document, any Intercreditor Agreement or the Escrow Agreement (or any supplement or joinder to any of the foregoing) under circumstances provided in the Indenture or therein; or (xviii) in the case of any Security Document, to include therein any legend required to be set forth therein pursuant to the applicable Intercreditor Agreement or to modify any such legend as required by the applicable Intercreditor Agreement to provide for the succession of any parties to the Security Documents (and other amendments that are administrative or ministerial in nature) in connection with an amendment, renewal, extension, substitution, refinancing, restructuring, replacement, supplementing or other modification from time to time of the Senior Secured Credit Agreement or any other agreement that is not prohibited by the Indenture.
15. | Defaults and Remedies |
If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(f) or (g) of the Indenture with respect to the Issuer) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Issuer or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding Notes by notice to the Issuer, with a copy to the Trustee, may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(f) or (g) of the Indenture with respect to the Issuer occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes will become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holders. The holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders pursuant to the Indenture, unless such holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be Incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no holder may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Notes unless (i) such holder has previously given the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing, (ii) holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy, (iii) such holders have offered the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense, (iv) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity, and (v) the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period. The holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under the Indenture, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent shall be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to them in their sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.
Exhibit A
16. | Trustee Dealings with the Issuer |
The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or its Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.
17. | No Recourse Against Others |
No director, officer, employee, manager or incorporator of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent company of the Issuer, and no holder of any Equity Interests in the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent company of the Issuer, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the Notes, the Indenture, the Guarantees, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreements, as applicable, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of the Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability.
18. | Authentication |
This Note shall not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent) manually or electronically 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. | Collateral |
This Note is initially secured by a security interest in the Escrowed Property, subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement, subject to release or termination as provided in the Indenture and the Escrow Agreement. From and after the Completion Date, this Note will be secured by a security interest in the Collateral, subject to the terms of the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreements and any other applicable intercreditor agreement, subject to release or termination as provided in the Indenture and the Security Documents.
21. | Governing Law |
THIS SECURITY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
22. | CUSIP Numbers; ISINs |
The Issuer has caused CUSIP numbers and ISINs to be printed on the Notes and has directed the Trustee to use CUSIP numbers and ISINs in notices of redemption as a convenience to the holders. No representation is made as to the correctness 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 printed thereon.
Exhibit A
The Issuer will furnish to any holder of Notes upon written request and without charge to the holder a copy of the Indenture which has in it the text of this Note.
Exhibit A
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 Issuer. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: | Your Signature: |
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Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.
Signature Guarantee:
Date:
|
| |
Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee | Signature of Signature Guarantee |
Exhibit A
CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR
REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER RESTRICTED NOTE
GN Bondco, LLC
c/o U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
Attn. Global Corporate Trust Services
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Nashville, TN 37201
This certificate relates to $ principal amount of Notes held in (check applicable space) book-entry or definitive form by the undersigned.
The undersigned (check one box below):
☐ | has requested the Trustee by written order to deliver in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Global Note held by DTC a Note or Notes in definitive, registered form of authorized denominations and an aggregate principal amount equal to its beneficial interest in such Global Note (or the portion thereof indicated above); |
☐ | has requested the Trustee by written order to exchange or register the transfer of a Note or Notes. |
In connection with any transfer of any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring while this Note is still a Transfer Restricted Definitive Note or a Transfer Restricted Global Note, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with its terms:
CHECK ONE BOX BELOW
(1) | ☐ | to the Issuer; or | ||
(2) | ☐ | to the Registrar for registration in the name of the holder, without transfer; or | ||
(3) | ☐ | pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933; or | ||
(4) | ☐ | inside the United States to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933) that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, in each case pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933; or | ||
(5) | ☐ | outside the United States in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act in compliance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act of 1933 and such Note shall be held immediately after the transfer through Euroclear or Clearstream until the expiration of the Restricted Period (as defined in the Indenture); or | ||
(6) | ☐ | to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act of 1933) that has furnished to the Trustee a signed letter containing certain representations and agreements; or | ||
(7) | ☐ | pursuant to another available exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. |
Exhibit A
Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any Person other than the registered holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (5), (6) or (7) is checked, the Issuer or the Trustee may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Issuer or the Trustee have reasonably requested to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.
Date: | Your Signature: |
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Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note.
Signature Guarantee:
Date:
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| |
Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee |
Signature of Signature Guarantee |
TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (4) ABOVE IS CHECKED.
The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.
Date: |
|
| ||||
NOTICE: To be executed by an executive officer |
[TO BE ATTACHED TO GLOBAL NOTES]
Exhibit A
SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTE
The initial principal amount of this Global Note is $ . The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:
Date of Exchange |
Amount of |
Amount of |
Principal amount |
Signature of | ||||
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.06 (Asset Sale) or 4.08 (Change of Control ) of the Indenture, check the box:
Asset Sale ☐ Change of Control ☐
If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.06 (Asset Sale) or 4.08 (Change of Control) of the Indenture, state the amount ($2,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof):
Date: |
|
Your Signature: |
| |||
Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note. | ||||||
Signature Guarantee: |
||||||
Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor program reasonably acceptable to the Trustee |
Exhibit A
EXHIBIT B
[FORM OF TRANSFEREE LETTER OF REPRESENTATION]
TRANSFEREE LETTER OF REPRESENTATION
GN Bondco, LLC
c/o U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
Attn. Global Corporate Trust Services
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Nashville, TN 37201
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This certificate is delivered to request a transfer of $[ ] principal amount of the 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) of GN Bondco, LLC (collectively with its successors and assigns, the “Issuer”).
Upon transfer, the Notes would be registered in the name of the new beneficial owner as follows:
Name:
Address:
Taxpayer ID Number:
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”)), purchasing for our own account or for the account of such an institutional “accredited investor” at least $100,000 principal amount of the Notes, 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 risks of our investment in the Notes, and we 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 investor account for which we are purchasing Notes to offer, sell or otherwise transfer such Notes prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of original issue and the last date on which either of the Issuer or any affiliate of the Issuer was the owner of such Notes (or any predecessor thereto) (the “Resale Restriction Termination Date”) only (a) in the United States to a person whom we reasonably believe is a qualified institutional buyer (as defined in rule 144A under the Securities Act) in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, (b) outside the United States in an
Exhibit B
offshore transaction in accordance with 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) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, in each of cases (a) through (d) in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States. In addition, we will, and each subsequent holder is required to, notify any purchaser of the Note evidenced hereby of the resale restrictions set forth above. The foregoing restrictions on resale will not apply subsequent to the Resale Restriction Termination Date. If any resale or other transfer of the Notes is proposed to be made to an institutional “accredited investor” prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date, the transferor shall deliver a letter from the transferee substantially in the form of this letter to the Issuer and the Trustee, which shall provide, among other things, that the transferee is an institutional “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act and that it is acquiring such Notes for investment purposes and not for distribution in violation of the Securities Act. Each purchaser acknowledges that the Issuer and the Trustee reserve the right prior to the offer, sale or other transfer prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date of the Notes pursuant to clause 2(b), 2(c) or 2(d) above to require the delivery of an opinion of counsel, certifications or other information satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee.
Dated: |
||||
TRANSFEREE: , | ||||
By: |
Exhibit B
EXHIBIT C
[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE]
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”) dated as of [ ], among [NEW GUARANTOR] (the “New Guarantor”), CLUE OPCO LLC (or its successor), a Delaware limited liability company (the “Issuer”), and U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as trustee under the indenture referred to below (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as notes collateral agent under the indenture referred to below (in such capacity, the “Notes Collateral Agent”).
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent have heretofore executed an indenture, dated as of October 2, 2023 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of the Issuer’s 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2031 (the “Notes”), initially in the aggregate principal amount of $725,000,000;
WHEREAS, Sections 4.11 and 12.07 of the Indenture provide that under certain circumstances the Issuer is required to cause the New Guarantor to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the New Guarantor shall guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee, the Notes Collateral Agent and the Issuer are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the New Guarantor, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the holders of the Notes as follows:
1. Defined Terms. As used in this Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recital hereto are used herein as therein defined, except that the term “holders” in this Supplemental Indenture shall refer to the term “holders” as defined in the Indenture and the Trustee acting on behalf of and for the benefit of such holders. The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Section hereof.
2. Agreement to Guarantee. The New Guarantor hereby agrees, jointly and severally with all existing Guarantors (if any), to guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article XII of the Indenture and to be bound by (and be entitled to the benefits of) all other applicable provisions of the Indenture and the Notes and to perform all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture.
3. No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, partner, employee, incorporator, manager, shareholder or stockholder or other owner of Equity Interests of the Issuer or any Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the Notes, the
Exhibit C
Indenture or 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.
4. Notices. All notices or other communications to the New Guarantor shall be given as provided in Section 13.02 of the Indenture.
5. Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indentures Part of Indenture. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
6. Governing Law. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
7. Trustee and Notes Collateral Agent Makes No Representation. The Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent each accepts the amendments of the Indenture effected by this Supplemental Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, including the terms and provisions defining and limiting the liabilities and responsibilities of the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent and providing for the indemnification of the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Trustee nor the Notes Collateral Agent shall be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or with respect to any of the recitals or statements contained herein, all of which recitals or statements are made solely by the Issuer, or for or with respect to (i) the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or any of the terms or provisions hereof, (ii) the proper authorization hereof by the Issuer and the New Guarantor, in each case, by action or otherwise, (iii) the due execution hereof by the Issuer and the New Guarantor or (iv) the consequences of any amendment herein provided for, and the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent each makes no representation with respect to any such matters.
8. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this Supplemental Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exchange of copies of this Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Supplemental Indenture and signature pages for all purposes.
9. Effect of Headings. The Section headings of this Supplemental 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 here.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
Exhibit C
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
[CLUE OPCO LLC], as Issuer | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[NEW GUARANTOR], as a Guarantor | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL | ||
ASSOCIATION, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee and as Notes Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Exhibit C
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF COMPLETION DATE SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
This FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of [ ] [ ], 20[ ] (this “Completion Date Supplemental Indenture”), is entered into by and among Clue Opco LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Opco”), the other parties that are signatories hereto as Guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, a national banking association, as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and notes collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Notes Collateral Agent”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, GN Bondco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Escrow Issuer”), the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent have heretofore executed and delivered an indenture, dated as of October 2, 2023 (the “Initial Indenture” and, together with this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture, and as further amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”) providing for the issuance of $725,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2031(the “Notes”);
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture to evidence the assumption by Opco of all the payment obligations under the Notes and the Indenture;
WHEREAS, the Initial Indenture provides that, on the Completion Date, (x) Opco shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which Opco shall assume all the obligations of the Escrow Issuer under the Indenture and the Notes and (y) the Guarantors shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which each such Guarantor shall unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the Guaranteed Obligations and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Initial Indenture;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Initial Indenture, the Trustee, the Notes Collateral Agent, Opco and the Guarantors are authorized to execute and deliver this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture to amend or supplement the Initial Indenture without the consent of Holders of the Notes;
WHEREAS, Opco and each Guarantor has been duly authorized to enter into this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture; and
WHEREAS, all acts, conditions, proceedings and requirements necessary to make this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture a valid, binding and legal agreement enforceable in accordance with its terms for the purposes expressed herein, in accordance with its terms, have been duly done and performed.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:
Exhibit D
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. Defined Terms. As used in this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture, terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recitals hereto are used herein as therein defined. The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture refer to this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Section hereof.
ARTICLE II
ASSUMPTION AND AGREEMENTS
Section 2.1. Assumption of Obligations. Opco hereby agrees, as of the date hereof, to unconditionally assume the Escrow Issuer’s Obligations under the Initial Indenture and the Notes on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture and the Notes and to be bound by all other provisions of the Indenture and the Notes applicable to the Issuer, to perform all of the obligations and agreements of the Issuer under the Indenture and the Notes and to become Issuer under the Indenture and the Notes.
ARTICLE III
AGREEMENT TO BE BOUND, GUARANTEE
Section 3.1. Agreement to Guarantee. Each Guarantor hereby agrees, jointly and severally, to guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article XII of the Indenture and to be bound by (and be entitled to the benefits of) all other applicable provisions of the Indenture and the Notes and to perform all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture.
ARTICLE IV
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 4.1. Notices. All notices and other communications to the Issuer and the Guarantors shall be given as provided in the Indenture to the Issuer and the Guarantors.
Section 4.2. Parties. Nothing expressed or mentioned herein is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, firm or corporation, other than the Holders, the Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture or the Indenture or any provision herein or therein contained.
Section 4.3. Severability. In case any provision in this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.
Exhibit D
Section 4.4. Execution and Delivery.
(a) Opco agrees that its assumption of all of the payment obligations under the Notes and the Indenture shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such assumption of all of the payment obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the Notes.
(b) Each Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees that the Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of any such Guarantee.
Section 4.5. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, as such (other than the Issuer and the Guarantors), shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Guarantors under the Note Documents 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 and the Note Guarantees.
Section 4.6. Governing Law. This Completion Date Supplemental Indenture shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Section 4.7. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. This Completion Date Supplemental Indenture may be executed in multiple counterparts which, when taken together, shall constitute one instrument. The exchange of copies of this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmissions shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Completion Date Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.
Section 4.8. Headings. The headings of the Articles and the Sections in this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect the meaning or interpretation of any provisions hereof.
Section 4.9. The Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent. The Trustee and the Notes Collateral Agent make no representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture or with respect to the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the other parties hereto.
Section 4.10. Benefits Acknowledged.
(a) Opco acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Initial Indenture and this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture and that its assumption of all of the payment obligations under the Notes and the Indenture and the waivers made by it pursuant to this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.
(b) Each Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Initial Indenture and this Completion Date Supplemental Indenture and that the guarantee and waivers made by it pursuant to its guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.
Exhibit D
Section 4.12. Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indentures Part of Indenture. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Completion Date Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
[Signature Page Follows]
Exhibit D
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.
CLUE OPCO LLC, as Issuer | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[COMPLETION DATE GUARANTORS], each as a Guarantor | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee and as Notes Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Exhibit D
EXHIBIT E
POSITION REPRESENTATION AND VERIFICATION FORM
[●], 20[●]
[GN Bondco, LLC][Clue Opco LLC]
[c/o Omni Newco LLC][c/o Forward Air Corporation]
[0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxx., Suite 300][1915 Snapps Ferry Road, Bldg. N]
[Dallas, TX 75019] [Greeneville, TN 37745]
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association
[000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000]
[Nashville, TN 37201]
Attention: [●]
Re: [GN Bondco, LLC][Clue Opco LLC] (the “Issuer”)
This Position Representation and Verification Form, is hereby delivered by the undersigned to the Issuer and Trustee in connection with the [INSERT DESCRIPTION OF APPLICABLE NOTEHOLDER DIRECTION], dated as of the date hereof, attached as an exhibit hereto. Capitalized terms used, but not defined in this Position Representation and Verification Form shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants and covenants to the Issuer and the Trustee as set forth below.
Position Representation
The undersigned is not (or, in the case the undersigned is the Depositary or its nominee, the undersigned is being instructed solely by beneficial owners of Notes that have represented to the undersigned that they are not) Net Short.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges and agrees that if this form is being executed and delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee in connection with a Noteholder Direction in the form of a notice of Default, the foregoing representation shall be deemed to be a continuing representation until the resulting Event of Default is cured or otherwise ceases to exist or the Notes are accelerated.
Verification Covenant
The undersigned hereby agrees to provide the Issuer with such information as the Issuer may reasonably request from time to time in order to verify the accuracy of the foregoing Position Representation within five Business Days of a request therefor.
Exhibit E
Date: Your Signature
Exhibit E
[ATTACH APPLICABLE NOTEHOLDER DIRECTION]
Exhibit E