Project Table Commitment Letter
Exhibit 10.1
EXECUTION COPY
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. | GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P. | |
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC. | GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA | |
270 Park Avenue | 85 Broad Street | |
New York, NY 10017 | New York, New York 10004 |
September 7, 2008
Project Table
Commitment Letter
Altria Group, Inc.
6601 West Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23230
Attention: Mr. William F. Gifford, Vice President and Treasurer
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Altria Group, Inc., a Virginia corporation (Altria or you), has advised J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (JPM), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB), Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. (GSCP and, together with JPM, in their capacities as arrangers, the Joint Lead Arrangers) and Goldman Sachs Bank USA (GSB and, together with GSCP and JPMCB, in their capacities as Lenders (as defined herein), the Initial Lenders), that it intends to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of UST Inc. (Target) pursuant to an agreement (the Merger Agreement) under which a newly created, wholly-owned subsidiary of Altria will merge into Target (the Acquisition), and has requested that the Joint Lead Arrangers agree to structure and arrange a senior 364-day bridge loan facility in an aggregate amount of US$7,000,000,000 (the New Bridge Facility) to provide a portion of the financing for the Acquisition and related transactions. You have also requested that each of JPMCB, GSCP and GSB commit to provide a portion of the New Bridge Facility, that JPMCB and GSCP consent, in their capacity as lenders under the US$4,000,000,000 364-Day Bridge Loan Agreement dated as of January 28, 2008 (the Existing Bridge Facility), among Altria and the agents and lenders parties thereto, to the amendments described in Exhibit B hereto, including the provisions relating to the extension of their commitments thereunder, and that JPMCB and William Street Commitment Corporation, an affiliate of GSCP, consent, in their capacity as lenders under the 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of April 15, 2005 (the 5-Year Revolver), among Altria and the agents and lenders parties thereto, to the amendments described in Exhibit C hereto (collectively, the Amendments).
The Joint Lead Arrangers are pleased to advise you that they are willing to act as joint lead arrangers and bookrunners for the New Bridge Facility.
Furthermore, (a) JPMCB is pleased to advise you of its commitment to provide US$3,500,000,000 of the New Bridge Facility and consent to the Amendments, (b) GSCP is
pleased to advise you of its commitment to provide US$3,165,000,000 of the New Bridge Facility and to consent to the amendments to the Existing Bridge Facility described in Exhibit B hereto, (c) GSB is pleased to advise you of its commitment to provide US$335,000,000 of the New Bridge Facility and (d) William Street Commitment Corporation is pleased to advise you of its commitment, solely in its capacity as a lender under the 5-Year Revolver, to consent to the amendments to the 5-Year Revolver described in Exhibit C hereto, in each case, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth or referred to in this commitment letter (the Commitment Letter) and in the applicable Summary of Terms and Conditions attached hereto as Exhibit A, Exhibit B and Exhibit C (collectively, the Term Sheets). It is understood that the commitments of the Initial Lenders under the New Bridge Facility will be reduced as provided under Reduction, Cancellation or Prepayment: Mandatory Prepayment in Exhibit A hereto.
It is agreed that JPMCB and GSCP will act as the administrative agents, and that the Joint Lead Arrangers will act as the exclusive joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, for the New Bridge Facility, and each will, in such capacities, perform the duties and exercise the authority customarily performed and exercised by it in such roles (it being understood that JPMCB alone will perform the duties and exercise the authority customarily performed and exercised by an administrative agent). It is agreed that JPMorgan will have left placement in the Confidential Information Memorandum and any other marketing materials or advertisements relating to the New Bridge Facility.
We understand that you intend to refinance the New Bridge Facility with one or more offerings of your debt securities. In the event you determine that the New Bridge Facility or a portion thereof cannot or should not be refinanced or replaced by such an offering of securities and you elect to refinance or replace it with any credit or similar facilities (Replacement Facilities), you hereby agree that you will offer the Joint Lead Arrangers the opportunity to be the exclusive joint lead arrangers and bookrunners, respectively, for any such Replacement Facilities arranged by or on behalf of you or any of your subsidiaries (including Target or its subsidiaries), whether such facilities are established prior to, on or after the date on which the Acquisition is consummated (the Closing Date). You acknowledge and agree that the engagement of the Joint Lead Arrangers hereunder shall not constitute or give rise to any obligation to provide or arrange any Replacement Facility, it being agreed that any such obligation that they may hereafter undertake would be set forth in a commitment letter to be entered into by you and the Joint Lead Arrangers.
We intend to syndicate the New Bridge Facility to a group of financial institutions (the Lenders) selected as provided below. The Joint Lead Arrangers intend to commence syndication efforts promptly, and you agree actively to assist the Joint Lead Arrangers in completing a successful syndication (as defined in the Fee Letters). Such assistance shall include (a) your using commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the syndication efforts benefit materially from your existing lending relationships, (b) as necessary and to the extent mutually agreed upon, direct contact between appropriate senior management and advisors of Altria and the proposed lenders (and your endeavoring, without being required to initiate any enforcement action, to arrange such contact between Targets appropriate senior management and advisors and the proposed lenders, to the extent Target is obligated under the Merger Agreement to make such senior management and advisors available to facilitate the syndication), (c) your assistance (including your endeavoring, without being required to initiate any enforcement action, to arrange for Target and its advisors to assist, to the extent Target is obligated under the Merger
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Agreement to provide such assistance to facilitate the syndication) in the preparation of Confidential Information Memoranda and other marketing materials to be used in connection with the syndication (collectively, Information Materials) and (d) the hosting, with the Joint Lead Arrangers, of one or two conference calls with prospective Lenders at times to be mutually agreed and, if each of the Joint Lead Arrangers determines and advises you that it would be advisable in order to facilitate a successful syndication, a meeting for potential Lenders. You agree to afford the Joint Lead Arrangers a period of at least 30 days from the launch of the General Syndication to syndicate the New Bridge Facility. In addition, to facilitate an orderly and successful syndication of the New Bridge Facility, you agree that, until the earlier of the completion of a successful syndication and 60 days following the date of effectiveness of the New Bridge Facility, you and your subsidiaries will not syndicate or issue, attempt to syndicate or issue or announce the syndication or issuance of any debt facility or any debt or equity-linked security of Altria or its subsidiaries (other than any such offering or placement of debt securities to refinance or replace the New Bridge Facility or the Existing Bridge Facility and any issuance of commercial paper, it being understood that nothing herein shall prevent you from borrowing under the Existing Bridge Facility or the 5-Year Revolver).
It is contemplated that following the public announcement of your agreement to acquire Target, and prior to the general syndication of the Facility (the General Syndication), the Initial Lenders may assign portions of their commitments hereunder to one or more of the financial institutions heretofore agreed upon by you and us (or any other financial institution subsequently identified by us and approved by you) (the solicitation of and assignments to such financial institutions prior to the General Syndication being referred to as the Initial Syndication, and any such financial institution to which such an assignment is made before the commencement of the General Syndication being referred to as an Additional Initial Lender), and that upon any such assignment the Initial Lenders shall be released from the portions of their commitments so assigned. It is agreed that, after giving effect to all assignments made as part of the Initial Syndication, (a) JPMCB on the one hand, and GSCP and GSB on the other, will have equal commitments in respect of the New Bridge Facility and (b) no institution will have a commitment in excess of the commitment of JPMCB or the aggregate commitments of GSCP and GSB without your consent. In connection with any such assignments, you agree, at the request of the Initial Lenders, that you will enter into appropriate documentation (including, if requested by the Initial Lenders or by you, joinder agreements under which the Additional Initial Lenders become parties to this Commitment Letter and extend commitments directly to you) containing such provisions relating to the allocation of titles, rights and responsibilities in connection with the Initial Syndication of the New Bridge Facility and compensation as the Initial Lenders shall request (but which will not, except as agreed by you, add any conditions to the availability of the New Bridge Facility or change the terms of the New Bridge Facility or the compensation payable by you in connection therewith as set forth in the Term Sheet and in the Fee Letters).
The Joint Lead Arrangers will, in consultation with you, manage all aspects of the syndication of the New Bridge Facility in accordance with the terms hereof and of the Fee Letters, including decisions as to the selection of institutions to be approached and when they will be approached, when their commitments will be accepted, which institutions will participate, the allocations of the commitments among the Lenders and the amount and distribution of fees among the Lenders. It is agreed that all such decisions, including decisions as to institutions to be approached, shall be made in a manner consistent with the syndication strategy agreed upon
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by you and us prior to the date hereof, except to the extent we determine, after consultation with you, that changes from such strategy are advisable to facilitate a successful syndication. To assist the Joint Lead Arrangers in their syndication efforts, you agree promptly to prepare and provide to them such information with respect to Altria and Target, including financial information, as they may reasonably request in connection with the arrangement and syndication of the New Bridge Facility, it being understood that any financial information requested in addition to the financial information provided to the Joint Lead Arrangers prior to the date hereof shall be mutually agreed to by the Joint Lead Arrangers and you.
You hereby represent and covenant that (a) all information (other than projections, forecasts, budgets, estimates and other forward-looking statements (collectively, the Projections) and information of a general economic or industry specific nature) that has been or will be made available to the Joint Lead Arrangers or the Initial Lenders by you or any of your representatives (the Information), when taken as a whole with other Information then or heretofore made available, is or will, when furnished, be complete and correct in all material respects and does not or will not, when furnished, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements are made and (b) the Projections that have been or will be made available to us or any of the Lenders by or on behalf of you in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby have been (or, in the case of Projections prepared after the date hereof, will be) prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by you to be reasonable at the time of preparation thereof (it being understood that projections by their nature are inherently uncertain and no assurances are being given that the results reflected in the Projections will be achieved); provided that, with respect to any Information or Projections prepared by Target, such representation and warranty is made only to your knowledge. You agree that if at any time prior to the earlier of the completion of a successful syndication and 60 days following the date of effectiveness of the New Bridge Facility the representation and warranty in the immediately preceding sentence would not be true if the Information and Projections were being furnished and such representation and warranty were being made at such time, then you will promptly supplement the Information and the Projections so that such representation or warranty would be true under those circumstances. You understand that in connection with the New Bridge Facility and the Amendments we may use and rely on the Information without independent verification thereof.
The Initial Lenders commitments hereunder and the Joint Lead Arrangers agreements to perform the services described herein are subject to (a) there not having occurred or become known to the Initial Lenders and the Joint Lead Arrangers any material adverse change in the financial condition or operations of Altria and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole (other than a material adverse change related to litigation against Altria or any of its subsidiaries) since December 31, 2007, except as disclosed in Altrias Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008, and in any Current Report on Form 8-K filed subsequent to June 30, 2008 but prior to the date hereof, and there not having occurred any Company Material Adverse Effect, as defined in the Merger Agreement (but only to the extent you would have the right under the Merger Agreement not to consummate the Acquisition), (b) the negotiation, execution and delivery on or before the End Date, as defined below (or such other date as may be mutually agreed among the parties hereto), of definitive documentation with respect to the New Bridge Facility satisfactory to the Initial Lenders and their counsel, (c) the payment of fees pursuant to
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the Fee Letters and the performance by you of your other material obligations hereunder and under the Fee Letters, and (d) the other conditions set forth or referred to in the Term Sheets. This Commitment Letter may be terminated by you at any time at your option upon payment of all fees, expenses and other amounts then payable hereunder. As used herein, End Date shall mean the nine month anniversary of the date of the Merger Agreement or such later date (but not later than the twelve month anniversary of the date of the Merger Agreement) to which such End Date shall be extended in accordance with Section 8.2(a) of the Merger Agreement (Draft of 9/5/08) as heretofore furnished to us.
As consideration for the Initial Lenders commitments hereunder and our agreements to perform the services described herein, you agree to pay to us the fees as set forth in the fee letters dated the date hereof and delivered herewith (the Fee Letters).
You agree (a) to indemnify and hold harmless the Joint Lead Arrangers, the Initial Lenders, their respective affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, advisors, and agents (each, an indemnified person) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities to which any such indemnified person may become subject arising out of or in connection with this Commitment Letter, the New Bridge Facility, the use of the proceeds thereof, the Amendments or any claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, regardless of whether any indemnified person is a party thereto, and to reimburse each indemnified person upon demand for any legal or other expenses incurred in connection with investigating or defending any of the foregoing; provided that the foregoing indemnity will not, as to any indemnified person, apply to losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses to the extent they are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court to arise from the willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence of such indemnified person, and (b) to reimburse the Joint Lead Arrangers, the Initial Lenders and their respective affiliates on demand for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including (x) due diligence expenses and (y) reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of a single counsel incurred in connection with the New Bridge Facility, the Amendments and any related documentation (including this Commitment Letter, the Term Sheets and the definitive financing documentation); provided that upon receipt by an indemnified person of notice of any such matter, such indemnified person shall promptly notify you with respect thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, your obligation to pay legal fees and expenses under clause (a) of the preceding sentence will be subject to the conditions that: (i) you shall not be responsible for the fees and expenses of more than one such separate counsel (and, where appropriate, local counsel) for all indemnified persons in any single matter; and (ii) you shall not be obligated to reimburse any indemnified person in advance of a final determination of such matter unless such indemnified person agrees in writing to remit such amounts to you in the event that it is ultimately determined in respect of such matter that the indemnified person was guilty of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. Failure by an indemnified person to provide the notice required above shall not relieve you of your responsibilities to such indemnified person hereunder except to the extent you are prejudiced by such failure. You shall have no liability for any settlement effected without your written consent. The parties hereto agree that information and materials may be distributed or sent through electronic means (including IntraLinks) and that the use of such means is expressly authorized hereby and that no party hereto shall be responsible for the misuse of any such information or other materials by unauthorized recipients thereof. In addition, no party hereto shall be liable for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages in connection with the New Bridge Facility or the Amendments.
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You acknowledge that the Joint Lead Arrangers, the Initial Lenders and their affiliates (the terms Joint Lead Arrangers and Initial Lenders as used below in this paragraph being understood to include such affiliates) may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which you or Target may have conflicting interests. Neither the Joint Lead Arrangers nor the Initial Lenders will use confidential information obtained from you by virtue of the transactions contemplated hereby or their other relationships with you in connection with the performance by them of services for other companies, and neither the Joint Lead Arrangers nor the Initial Lenders will furnish any such information to other companies. You also acknowledge that neither the Joint Lead Arrangers nor the Initial Lenders have any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, or to furnish to you, confidential information obtained from other companies. Each Joint Lead Arranger and Initial Lender acknowledges and agrees that it will comply with the confidentiality agreement attached hereto as Schedule 1.
This Commitment Letter shall not be assignable by you without the prior written consent of the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Initial Lenders (and any purported assignment without such consent shall be null and void), is intended to be solely for the benefit of the parties hereto and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, or be enforceable by or at the request of, any person other than the parties hereto and the indemnified persons. This Commitment Letter may not be amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by you, the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Initial Lenders. This Commitment Letter may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Commitment Letter by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof. This Commitment Letter and the Fee Letters are the only agreements that have been entered into among us with respect to the New Bridge Facility and the Amendments and set forth the entire understanding of the parties with respect thereto. This Commitment Letter shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or related to this Commitment Letter or the Fee Letters may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York, and by execution and delivery of this Commitment Letter, the parties hereto hereby consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS COMMITMENT LETTER, THE FEE LETTERS OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
This Commitment Letter is delivered to you on the understanding that none of this Commitment Letter, the Term Sheet, the Fee Letters or any of their terms or substance shall be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other person, except that (a) this Commitment Letter, the Term Sheet, the Fee Letters and their terms and substance may be disclosed (i) to your affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, auditors, attorneys and other advisors and representatives who are directly involved in the consideration of this matter or (ii) as may be compelled in a judicial or administrative proceeding or as otherwise required by law (in which case you agree to inform us promptly thereof), (b) following your acceptance of this Commitment Letter and of the Fee Letters, this Commitment Letter, the Term Sheet and the terms and substance hereof and thereof (but not the Fee Letters or the terms or substance thereof) may be disclosed to Target or
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in one or more filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and (c) in connection with the Initial Syndication, the fees to be paid to the Additional Initial Lenders may be disclosed to potential Additional Initial Lenders, and in connection with the General Syndication, the fees to be paid to Lenders assuming commitments in the General Syndication may be disclosed to potential Lenders.
You agree that neither this Commitment Letter nor our activities contemplated hereby will be deemed to create an advisory, fiduciary or agency relationship or fiduciary or other implied duty between us, on the one hand, and you or your subsidiaries, affiliates or stockholders, on the other.
The reimbursement, indemnification and confidentiality provisions contained herein and in Schedule 1 shall remain in full force and effect regardless of whether definitive financing documentation shall be executed and delivered and notwithstanding the termination of this Commitment Letter or the Initial Lenders commitments hereunder. In addition, if a successful syndication of the New Bridge Facility shall not have been completed, the provisions contained herein with respect to the furnishing of information and assistance in connection with the syndication shall remain in full force and effect until a successful syndication shall have been completed.
Each Joint Lead Arranger and Initial Lender hereby notifies you that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the Patriot Act), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Altria and Philip Morris USA Inc., which information includes Altrias and Philip Morris USA Inc.s names and addresses and other information that will allow such Joint Lead Arranger or Initial Lender to identify Altria and Philip Morris USA Inc. in accordance with the Patriot Act.
If the foregoing correctly sets forth our agreement, please indicate your acceptance of the terms hereof and of the Term Sheets, the confidentiality agreement and the Fee Letters by returning to us executed counterparts hereof and of the Fee Letters not later than 5:00p.m., New York City time, on September 14, 2008. The Initial Lenders commitments and the Joint Lead Arrangers agreements herein will expire at such time in the event we have not received such executed counterparts in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence.
[Signature pages follow.]
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We are pleased to have been given the opportunity to assist you in connection with this important financing.
Very truly yours, | ||||
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., | ||||
by | /s/ MARIAN N. SCHULMAN | |||
Name: Marian N. Schulman | ||||
Title: Managing Director | ||||
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC., | ||||
by | /s/ THOMAS DELANEY | |||
Name: Thomas Delaney | ||||
Title: Executive Director | ||||
GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P., | ||||
by | /s/ BRUCE H. MENDELSOHN | |||
Name: Bruce H. Mendelsohn | ||||
Title: Authorized Signatory | ||||
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, | ||||
by | /s/ WILLIAM YARBENET | |||
Name: William Yarbenet | ||||
Title: Vice President | ||||
WILLIAM STREET COMMITMENT CORPORATION (Recourse only to assets of William Street Commitment Corporation), solely to confirm its commitment referred to in the third paragraph of this Commitment Letter, | ||||
by | /s/ MARK WALTON | |||
Name: Mark Walton | ||||
Title: Assistant Vice President |
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Accepted and agreed to by: | ||||
ALTRIA GROUP, INC. | ||||
By: | /s/ WILLIAM F. GIFFORD | |||
Name: William F. Gifford | ||||
Title: Vice President and Treasurer | ||||
Date: | 9/7/2008 |
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Exhibit A
ALTRIA GROUP, INC.
Summary of Terms and Conditions
US$7,000,000,000 364-Day Bridge Loan Facility
Borrower: | Altria Group, Inc. (Altria). | |||||
Guarantor: | Philip Morris USA Inc. | |||||
Facility: | US$7,000,000,000 364-Day Bridge Loan Facility (the New Bridge Facility). The terms of the New Bridge Facility will be substantially similar to the terms and conditions of Altrias US$4,000,000,000 364-Day Bridge Loan dated as of January 28, 2008 (the Existing Bridge Facility) with the exceptions set forth herein, including the following: | |||||
(a) The use of proceeds will be limited to the financing of the acquisition by Altria of all of the outstanding capital stock of UST Inc. (Target) pursuant to an agreement (the Merger Agreement) under which a newly created, wholly-owned subsidiary of Altria will merge into Target (the Acquisition), and related transactions. | ||||||
(b) Mandatory prepayment and reduction of Commitments is required in an amount equal to the net proceeds of certain Capital Markets Financings (as defined below), borrowings under Debt Facilities (as defined below) and asset sales. | ||||||
(c) The Applicable Interest Rate Margin will be increased and the Facility Fee provided for therein will be replaced by a Commitment Fee at the Applicable Commitment Fee Rate as described herein. | ||||||
(d) Duration fees will be paid. | ||||||
(e) Altrias share repurchase program will be suspended under certain circumstances. | ||||||
Purpose: | Financing the Acquisition and related transactions. | |||||
Joint Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners: | J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (JPM) and Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. (GSCP). |
A-1
Administrative Agents: | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB) and GSCP. | |||
Lenders: | A syndicate of lenders, including JPMCB, GSCP, and Goldman Sachs Bank USA (GSB), arranged by the Joint Lead Arrangers and Altria. | |||
Availability: | Fully revolving until maturity; provided that the facility will convert to a single draw term facility in the event that the rating of Altrias long-term senior unsecured debt is (i) BBB by Standard & Poors or Baa2 by Moodys and placed on negative credit watch by such rating agency or (ii) is rated below BBB by Standard & Poors or Baa2 by Moodys. | |||
Amortization: | All principal payable under the New Bridge Facility shall be due in full on the termination date of the New Bridge Facility. | |||
Maturity: | 364 days from the date on which the Acquisition is consummated (the Closing Date). | |||
Borrowing Options: | (a) Base Rate Advances; and | |||
(b) LIBO Rate Advances. | ||||
Currency of Borrowings: | U.S. Dollars. | |||
Interest: | Base Rate Advances | |||
The Applicable Interest Rate Margin (as defined below) above the Base Rate. The Base Rate is the higher of (a) JPMCBs Prime Rate and (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 1/2 of 1%. Under Base Rate Advances, interest will be calculated on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, for the actual number of days elapsed and will be payable quarterly. | ||||
LIBO Rate Advances |
A-2
The Applicable Interest Rate Margin (as defined below) above the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate for 1, 2, 3 or 6 month deposits (plus Reg. D charges, if applicable) as determined by reference to the applicable Reuters screen or, if such screen is not available, on the average of rates quoted by the reference banks. Under LIBO Rate Advances, interest will be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed and will be payable at the end of the applicable interest period or every 3 months during any interest period exceeding 3 months. | ||||
The Applicable Interest Rate Margin means for any LIBO Rate Advance for any interest period a percentage per annum equal to the percentage set forth below determined by reference to the lower of (i) the rating of Altrias long-term senior unsecured debt from Standard & Poors and (ii) the rating of Altrias long-term senior unsecured debt from Moodys, in each case in effect from time to time during such period: |
Rating | Applicable Interest Rate Margin | |||||
A-/A3 or higher | 1.00% | |||||
lower than A-/A3 and BBB/Baa2 or higher (but, if BBB/Baa2, not on negative watch) | 1.50% | |||||
BBB-/Baa3 or lower, or BBB/Baa2 and on negative watch | 2.00% |
The Applicable Interest Rate Margin for any Base Rate Advance will equal the Applicable Interest Rate Margin for LIBO Rate Advances minus 1.00% per annum (but in no event less than zero). | ||||
Availability: | In a minimum amount of US$50,000,000 or an integral multiple of US$1,000,000 in excess thereof, on same business days notice for Base Rate Advances and 3 business days notice for LIBO Rate Advances. |
A-3
Reduction, Cancellation or Prepayment: | Optional: Altria may, upon at least 1 business days notice, terminate or cancel, in whole or in part, the unused portion of the New Bridge Facility without penalty; provided, however, that each partial reduction shall be in a minimum amount of US$50,000,000. | |||
Altria may, upon same business days notice for Base Rate Advances and at least 3 business days notice for LIBO Rate Advances, prepay in full or in part the Advances without penalty; provided, however, that Altria shall compensate Lenders for their losses, costs and expenses reasonably incurred as a result of such prepayment; and provided, further, that each partial prepayment shall be in a minimum amount of US$50,000,000 or the remaining balance if less than US$50,000,000. | ||||
Mandatory Prepayment:
Advances shall be prepaid, and Commitments reduced, in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of the net proceeds of any (i) Capital Markets Financing Transaction or borrowing under a Debt Facility (other than borrowings under Altrias US$3,500,000,000 5-Year Revolving Credit Facility (the 5-Year Revolver) or a credit agreement replacing the same in an aggregate amount not exceeding the aggregate commitments under the 5-Year Revolver on the date hereof) or (ii) asset sale outside of Altrias ordinary course of business (subject to certain exceptions and thresholds to be determined), whether occurring before or after the Closing Date, other than any such net proceeds up to US$4,000,000,000 that are applied to reduce commitments under the Existing Bridge Facility and, to the extent borrowings are outstanding thereunder, to prepay such borrowings. Prepayments of LIBOR Rate Advances under this paragraph will be made on the last day of the current interest period for such LIBOR Rate Advances (but in no event more than 60 days after the receipt of the applicable net proceeds). Prepayments of Base Rate Advances will be made on the third business day following receipt of such net proceeds. Commitments will be reduced at the times such prepayments are made or, in the event there are no outstanding Advances, on the third business day following receipt of such net proceeds. |
A-4
Capital Markets Financing Transaction means the sale for cash or cash equivalents, in a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an offering exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2), Rule 144A or Regulation S thereunder, of capital stock issued by Altria or notes, debentures or other debt securities issued by or guaranteed by Altria having a maturity in excess of one year, offered in the domestic or foreign capital markets.
Debt Facility means any debt facility with a term exceeding 364-days entered into by Altria after the date hereof in the commercial bank market, other than the issuance of commercial paper or other short-term debt programs, or a domestic or foreign working capital facility. | ||||
Commitment Fee: | Altria will pay to each Lender a Commitment Fee at the Applicable Commitment Fee Rate (as defined below) per annum on the undrawn amount of its Commitment, accruing from the Closing Date and payable quarterly in arrears. | |||
Applicable Commitment Fee Rate means for any period a percentage per annum equal to the percentage per annum set forth below determined by reference to the lower of (i) the rating of Altrias long-term senior unsecured debt from Standard & Poors and (ii) the rating of Altrias long-term senior unsecured debt from Moodys, in each case in effect from time to time during such period: |
Rating | Applicable Commitment Fee Rate | |||||
A-/A3 or higher | 0.1000% | |||||
lower than A-/A3 and BBB/Baa2 or BBB/Baa2, not on negative watch) | 0.1500% | |||||
BBB-/Baa3 or lower, or BBB/Baa2 and on negative watch | 0.3500% |
A-5
Duration Fee: | Altria will pay to each Lender a Duration Fee at the Applicable Duration Fee Rate (as defined below) on the amount of its Commitment at the applicable date.
Applicable Duration Fee Rate means for the relevant date a percentage equal to the percentage set forth below: |
Date | Fee Rate | |||||
(a) Later of 90 days after Closing Date or March 31, 2009 | 0.2500% | |||||
(b) 90 days after payment under (a) above | 0.5000% | |||||
(c) 180 days after payment under (a) above | 0.7500% |
Taxes, Reserve Requirements, Capital Adequacy: | All payments will be made free and clear of any present or future United States tax, withholdings or other deductions whatsoever. Lenders will be subject to mitigation provisions as under the Existing Bridge Facility. Altria will agree to reimburse Eurodollar reserve requirements applicable to each Lender. Altria will also agree to reimburse certain capital adequacy requirements, subject to a cap of 0.15% per annum of each Lenders Commitment. |
A-6
Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness of Facility: | Conditions precedent: (a) the receipt by the Lenders of (i) satisfactory opinions of counsel to Altria and of counsel to the Administrative Agents as to the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) such corporate resolutions, certificates and other documentation from Altria as the Lenders shall reasonably request and (iii) a certificate as to the accuracy of representations and warranties and the absence of defaults after giving effect to the Acquisition, (b) the substantially simultaneous completion of the Acquisition on the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement (Draft of 9/5/08) made available to the Lenders prior to the date hereof, by the End Date referred to therein, without any waivers of conditions or changes that are material and adverse to Altria or the Lenders (it being agreed that the extension of the End Date referred to therein under the conditions and to the date contemplated thereby will not constitute such a change) that have not been approved by the Administrative Agents (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), (c) there not having occurred any Company Material Adverse Effect, as defined in the Merger Agreement (but only to the extent Altria would have the right under the Merger Agreement not to consummate the Acquisition), (d) in connection with the guarantee to be provided by Philip Morris USA Inc., the receipt by the Lenders of (i) evidence of authority and (ii) a customary legal opinion and (e) payment of fees and expenses then due and payable as agreed. | |||
Conditions Precedent to Each Advance: | After giving effect to the application of the proceeds of all borrowings to be made on the date of such Advance (together with any other resources of Altria applied together therewith), there shall exist no default under the loan documents, and, except with respect to material adverse change and material adverse litigation, the representations and warranties of Altria therein shall be true and correct immediately prior to, and after giving effect to, such application. | |||
Covenants: | Negative, affirmative and financial covenants: | |||
(a) Comply with laws (including, without limitation, ERISA). | ||||
(b) Maintain a ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense of not less than 4.0 to 1 on a rolling four quarters basis. |
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(c) Maintain a ratio of aggregate consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA of no greater than 3.0 to 1 on a rolling four quarters basis. | ||||
(d) Furnish or make available on the internet at www.altria.com (or any successor or replacement website thereof), which website includes an option to subscribe to a free service alerting subscribers by e-mail of new SEC filings, if available, or by similar electronic means: | ||||
(i) within 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, quarterly condensed consolidated balance sheets and statements of earnings of Altria and its Subsidiaries, certified by the chief financial officer of Altria; | ||||
(ii) within 100 days after the end of each fiscal year, audited consolidated financial statements of Altria and its Subsidiaries; and | ||||
(iii) reports to shareholders and Form 8-Ks. | ||||
(e) Within 5 days after a default or an event of default, furnish a statement of the chief financial officer or treasurer of Altria setting forth the details and actions taken with respect thereto. | ||||
(f) Furnish all other historical business and financial information that any Lender through the Administrative Agents may reasonably request. | ||||
(g) Furnish within 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, a certificate of the chief financial officer or treasurer of Altria certifying compliance with the financial covenants described in (b) and (c) above. | ||||
(h) Not create or permit any Major Subsidiary to create any liens, other than certain agreed exceptions (including a basket equal to 15% of Altrias consolidated tangible assets). | ||||
(i) Not merge or consolidate with any person, unless Altria or a Subsidiary organized in the U.S. is the surviving entity and such surviving entity assumes Altrias obligations under the New Bridge Facility. |
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(j) Suspend share repurchase in the event that (i) aggregate Commitments under the New Bridge Facility and the Existing Bridge Facility exceed US$3,000,000,000 and (ii) the rating of Altrias long-term senior unsecured debt is (A) BBB by Standard & Poors or Baa2 by Moodys and placed on negative credit watch by such rating agency or (B) is rated below BBB by Standard & Poors or Baa2 by Moodys. | ||||
Subsidiary means any corporation that is more than 50% owned. | ||||
Major Subsidiary means any company organized in the U.S., Canada or certain European countries, 50% or more owned by Altria with assets (after intercompany eliminations) exceeding US$1,000,000,000. | ||||
Representations and Warranties: | Representations and warranties:
(a) Altria is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing in Virginia; | |||
(b) the execution, delivery and performance of the loan documents, the borrowings thereunder and the Acquisition are within Altrias corporate powers, have been duly authorized and do not contravene its (i) charter or by-laws or (ii) any law, rule, regulation or order of any court or governmental agency or any contractual restriction binding on or affecting it in any material respect; | ||||
(c) no authorization and no notice or filing is required with any governmental authority or regulatory body for the execution, delivery and performance by Altria of the loan documents; | ||||
(d) the loan documents when delivered are legal, valid and binding obligations of Altria, subject to the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting creditors rights generally, and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity and an implied covenant of fair dealing; |
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(e) the most recent annual consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of earnings of Altria and its Subsidiaries fairly present the consolidated financial condition of Altria and its Subsidiaries, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Except as otherwise disclosed in a Form 8-K, there has been no material adverse change in such condition or operations; | ||||
(f) there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding affecting Altria or any of its Subsidiaries (i) that purports to affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the loan documents or (ii) except as otherwise disclosed in a Form 10-K, 10-Q or 8-K or in a certificate delivered to the Lenders, that may materially adversely affect the financial condition or operations of Altria and its Subsidiaries; and | ||||
(g) none of the proceeds of the Advances will be used in violation of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve System. Not more than 25% of the assets subject to the limitation on liens referred to under Covenants above will consist of margin stock. | ||||
Events of Default: | Events of default: | |||
(a) Altria shall fail to pay principal when due and interest or other amounts within 10 days after becoming due, in accordance with the loan documents; | ||||
(b) any representation or warranty of Altria in connection with the loan documents shall not be correct in all material respects when made or confirmed; | ||||
(c) Altria shall (i) fail to perform certain terms or covenants, or (ii) fail to perform certain other terms or covenants within 15 days or (iii) fail to perform certain other terms or covenants within 30 days after notice of such failure; | ||||
(d) Altria or any Major Subsidiary shall default in the payment of interest, premium or principal under certain debt obligations in excess of US$100,000,000, or any other default under such obligation occurs if the effect of which is to cause acceleration of the maturity of such obligation; |
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(e) any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding shall be instituted by or, unless dismissed or stayed within 60 days, against Altria or any Major Subsidiary; | ||||
(f) any judgment in excess of US$100,000,000 shall be entered against Altria or any Major Subsidiary and shall remain unsatisfied or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days; provided that such 60-day period shall be extended for a period not to exceed an additional 120 days if (i) Altria or such Major Subsidiary is contesting such judgment in good faith and (ii) no assets with a fair market value in excess of US$100,000,000 of Altria or such Major Subsidiary have been levied upon or garnished to satisfy such judgment; and | ||||
(g) standard ERISA defaults (limited to liability in excess of US$500,000,000 not satisfied or discharged to the satisfaction of the PBGC or the Required Lenders). | ||||
Indemnification: | Altria agrees to indemnify the Joint Lead Arrangers, Initial Lenders and each Lender and each of their respective affiliates, control persons, directors, officers, employees, attorneys and agents (each, an Indemnified Party) from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel), which may be incurred by or asserted against any of them, in each case in connection with or arising out of, or in connection with the preparation for or defense of, any investigation, litigation or proceeding (i) related to the Acquisition or to any other transaction in which any proceeds of any advance are or are proposed to be applied by Altria, whether or not any such transaction is consummated, and whether or not any Indemnified Party is a party thereto, and (ii) related to the New Bridge Facility, or to any actions or omissions of Altria, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its or their respective officers, directors, employees or agents, in each case whether or not an Indemnified Party is a party thereto and whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by Altria or any other person, except for any portion of such claims, damages, losses, liabilities or expenses that is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Party. |
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Majority Lenders: | 50.1% | |||
Assignments and Participations: | Lenders may assign their rights and obligations under the loan documents in a minimum amount of US$10,000,000 to one or more financial institutions that are Eligible Assignees (such defined term in the definitive documentation related to the New Bridge Facility to be conformed to the definition of Eligible Assignee in Altrias 5-Year Revolver). Participations are permitted. | |||
Expenses: | Altria shall pay the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agents (including fees and expenses of counsel referred to below), whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, as well as all expenses of JPMCB, as Administrative Agent, in connection with the administration of the loan documents. Altria shall also pay the expenses of the Lenders in connection with the enforcement of the loan documents. | |||
Governing Law: | New York. | |||
Counsel to Joint Lead Arrangers and Administrative Agents: | Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. | |||
Counsel to Borrower: | Hunton & Williams LLP. |
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Schedule 1
Form of Confidentiality Agreement
Subject: Altria Group, Inc. US$7,000,000,000 364-Day Bridge Facility (the New Bridge Facility)
In connection with your possible interest in becoming a Lender in the New Bridge Facility for Altria Group, Inc. (the Company), you will be receiving certain information which is non-public, confidential or proprietary in nature. That information and any other information, regardless of form, whether oral, written or electronic, concerning the Company, its subsidiaries or the New Bridge Facility furnished to you by the Company, Altria Client Services, Inc. (Altria Client Services) or any of their respective Representatives in connection with the New Bridge Facility (at any time on, before or after the date of this Agreement), together with analyses, compilations or other materials prepared by you or your Representatives which contain or otherwise reflect such information or your review of, advice concerning or interest in the New Bridge Facility is hereinafter referred to as the Information. As used herein, Representatives refers to affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, auditors, attorneys, consultants or other advisors, and references to the Company or Altria Client Services shall be deemed to include each of their respective affiliates. In consideration of your receipt of the Information, you agree that:
1. | You will not, without the prior written consent of the Company, use, either directly or indirectly, any of the Information except in concert with the Company and Altria Client Services in connection with the proposed New Bridge Facility or other transactions referred to in paragraph 2 below. It is understood that the Information may be furnished to prospective Lenders under the New Bridge Facility in connection with the syndication of such Facility under confidentiality agreements substantially in the form hereof or under other procedures (including confidentiality undertakings) agreed upon by you and the Company to ensure the confidentiality of such Information (such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). |
2. | You agree to reveal the Information only to your Representatives who need to know the Information for the purpose of evaluating, administering or monitoring the New Bridge Facility or in connection with any securities offering or other transaction for which you or your affiliates have been retained by the Company or Altria Client Services, who are informed by you of the confidential nature of the Information, and who agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement. You agree to be responsible for any breach of this Agreement by any of your Representatives and to indemnify and hold the Company, Altria Client Services and their respective Representatives harmless from and against any and all liabilities, claims, causes of action, costs and expenses (including attorney fees and expenses) arising out of the breach of this Agreement by you or your Representatives. |
3. | Without the prior written consent of the Company or Altria Client Services, you shall not disclose to any person (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) the fact that the Information has been made available, that discussions are taking |
Schedule 1-1
place between the Company, Altria Client Services and you or any other financial institution concerning the New Bridge Facility, or any of the terms, conditions or other facts with respect thereto (including the status thereof), or that the New Bridge Facility has been consummated. |
4. | This Agreement shall be inoperative as to any portion of the Information that (i) is or becomes generally available to the public on a non-confidential basis through no fault or action by you or your Representatives, or (ii) is or becomes available to you on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company, Altria Client Services or their respective Representatives, which source, to the best of your knowledge, is not prohibited from disclosing such Information to you by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation to the Company, Altria Client Services or their respective Representatives. |
5. | You may disclose the Information at the request of any regulatory or supervisory authority having jurisdiction over you; provided that you request confidential treatment of such Information to the extent permitted by law; provided further, that, insofar as practicable, you notify the Company and Altria Client Services in advance of such disclosure pursuant to the following paragraph. |
6. | In the event that you or anyone to whom you transmit the Information pursuant to this Agreement becomes legally compelled to disclose any of the Information or the existence of the New Bridge Facility, you shall provide the Company and Altria Client Services with notice of such event promptly upon your obtaining knowledge thereof (provided that you are not otherwise prohibited by law from giving such notice) so that the Company may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy. In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, you shall furnish only that portion of the Information that is legally required and shall disclose the Information in a manner reasonably designed to preserve its confidential nature. |
7. | In the event that discussions with you concerning the New Bridge Facility are discontinued or your participation in the New Bridge Facility is otherwise terminated, you shall deliver to Altria Client Services the copies of the Information that were furnished to you by or on behalf of the Company and represent to Altria Client Services that you have destroyed all other copies thereof, provided that you may maintain copies of the Information, subject to the terms of this Agreement, as required by law or regulations or document retention policies applicable to you. All of your obligations hereunder and all of the rights and remedies of the Company and Altria Client Services hereunder shall survive any discontinuance of discussions, termination of your participation or any return or destruction of the Information. |
8. | You acknowledge that disclosure of the Information in violation of the terms of this Agreement could have material adverse consequences that could not be adequately compensated by money damages alone, and agree that, in the event of any breach by you or your Representatives of this Agreement, the Company, Altria Client Services and their respective Representatives will be entitled to |
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equitable relief (including injunction and specific performance) in addition to all other remedies available to them at law or in equity. |
9. | The obligations set forth in this Agreement shall survive until the earliest of two years from the date of this Agreement or until execution of any agreement between Altria and you with respect to the Facilities or an agreement which contains confidentiality provisions superseding this Agreement. This Agreement shall govern your confidentiality obligations from the date hereof with respect to Information furnished to you as described above in connection with the New Bridge Facility, and from the date hereof no prior agreement entered into by you and Altria will apply to such Information. |
10. | This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. |
THIS AGREEMENT IS IN ADDITION TO AND, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, DOES NOT SUPERSEDE THE CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS CONTAINED IN ANY CREDIT AGREEMENTS OF THE COMPANY OR ITS AFFILIATES TO WHICH YOU ARE A PARTY.
BY ACCEPTING THE INFORMATION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH HEREIN, AND YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT THE COMPANY, ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES MAY RELY ON THIS EXPRESS AGREEMENT.
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Exhibit B
ALTRIA GROUP, INC.
Summary of Terms and Conditions
Amendment to Existing Bridge Facility
Terms used herein and not otherwise defined are being used as defined in the US$4,000,000,000 364-Day Bridge Loan Agreement dated as of January 28, 2008 (the Existing Bridge Facility) among Altria Group, Inc. and the Lenders and agents parties thereto.
Borrower: | Altria Group, Inc. (Altria). | |||
Guarantor: | Philip Morris USA Inc. | |||
Amendments Pricing: | The definition of Applicable Interest Rate Margin will be conformed to the definition of the same term in the US$7,000,000,000 364-Day Bridge Loan Facility to be entered into by Altria and certain agent banks and lenders in connection with Altrias acquisition of UST Inc. (the New Bridge Facility), and the grid under the definition of Applicable Facility Fee Rate will be conformed to the grid under the definition of Applicable Commitment Fee Rate in the New Bridge Facility. | |||
Maturity: | Extendible at Altrias option for two three-month periods, for up to a total of six months. | |||
Financial Ratio: | Amendment to Section 5.01(c)(i) to change the ratio of Debt to Consolidated EBITDA from 2.5 to 1 to 3.0 to 1. | |||
Consent Fee: | 0.125% of the amount of the Commitment of each consenting Lender on the date on which consents by the Required Lenders are received (the Consent Date); such fee shall be earned on the Consent Date and payable within 3 business days of the Consent Date.
0.125% of the amount of the Commitment of each consenting Lender on the earlier of November 14, 2008 and the Closing Date; such fee shall be earned on the Consent Date and payable on the earlier of November 14, 2008 and the Closing Date. | |||
Extension Fee: | 0.500% of the amount of the Commitment of each Lender on the extension date, per each three month extension. |
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Conditions Precedent: | 1. Consent by Lenders (other than JPMCB, GSCP and GSB) with aggregate Commitments of US$1,500,000,000 or more.
2. The receipt of (i) satisfactory opinions of counsel to Altria and of counsel to the Administrative Agents as to the transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) such corporate resolution, certificates and other documentation from Altria as shall reasonably be requested. |
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Exhibit C
ALTRIA GROUP, INC.
Summary of Terms and Conditions
Amendment to 5-Year Revolver
Terms used herein and not otherwise defined are being used as defined in the US$3,500,000,000 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of April 15, 2005 (the 5-Year Revolver) among Altria Group, Inc. and the Lenders and agents parties thereto.
Borrowers: | Altria Group, Inc. (Altria) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as designated from time to time (each, a Borrower). | |||
Guarantor: | Altria. | |||
Additional Guarantor: | Philip Morris USA Inc. | |||
Financial Ratio: | Amendment to Section 5.01(c)(i) to change the ratio of Debt to Consolidated EBITDA from 2.5 to 1 to 3.0 to 1. | |||
Consent Fee: | 0.125% of the amount of the Commitment of each consenting Lender on the date on which consents by the Required Lenders are received (the Revolver Consent Date); such fee shall be earned on the Revolver Consent Date and payable within 3 business days after the Revolver Consent Date. | |||
Conditions Precedent: | 1. Consent by Required Lenders, which shall include JPMCB and GSCP.
2. The receipt of (i) satisfactory opinions of counsel to Altria and of counsel to the Administrative Agents as to the transactions contemplated hereby and (ii) such corporate resolution, certificates and other documentation from Altria as shall reasonably be requested. |
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