$500,000,000 FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of October 22, 2014, by and among BELK, INC., and the Subsidiaries of Belk, Inc. party hereto, as Borrowers, the Lendersreferred to herein, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent, BANK OFAMERICA, N.A. and BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY, as Co-Syndication Agents, PNCBANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, REGIONS BANK and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, asDocumentation Agents and WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC, MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED and BB&T CAPITAL MARKETS, as JointLead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners TABLE OF CONTENTS

EX-10.1 2 d808536dex101.htm EX-10.1 EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

Execution Version

Published CUSIP Number: 07783AAD7

Revolving Credit Facility CUSIP Number: 07783AAE5

 

 

 

$500,000,000

FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of October 22, 2014,

by and among

BELK, INC.,

and the Subsidiaries of Belk, Inc. party hereto,

as Borrowers,

the Lenders referred to herein,

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Administrative Agent,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and

BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY,

as Co-Syndication Agents,

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

REGIONS BANK and

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Documentation Agents

and

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED and

BB&T CAPITAL MARKETS,

as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
ARTICLE I   
DEFINITIONS   
Section 1.1    Definitions      1   

Section 1.2

   Other Definitions and Provisions      19   
ARTICLE II   
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY   
Section 2.1    Revolving Credit Loans      20   
Section 2.2    Swingline Loans      21   
Section 2.3    Procedure for Advances of Revolving Credit and Swingline Loans      22   
Section 2.4    Repayment of Loans      23   
Section 2.5    Notes      24   
Section 2.6    Permanent Reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitment      25   
Section 2.7    Increase of Revolving Credit Commitment      25   
Section 2.8    Joint and Several Liability of Borrowers      27   
Section 2.9    Appointment of the Company      30   
ARTICLE III   
LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY   
Section 3.1    L/C Commitments      30   
Section 3.2    Procedure for Issuance of Letters of Credit      32   
Section 3.3    Fees and Other Charges      32   
Section 3.4    L/C Participations      33   
Section 3.5    Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrowers      34   
Section 3.6    Obligations Absolute      34   
Section 3.7    Effect of Application      35   
ARTICLE IV   
GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS   
Section 4.1    Interest      35   
Section 4.2    Notice and Manner of Conversion or Continuation of Loans      38   
Section 4.3    Fees      38   
Section 4.4    Manner of Payment      39   
Section 4.5    Crediting of Payments and Proceeds      40   
Section 4.6    Adjustments      40   

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page  
Section 4.7    Nature of Obligations of Lenders Regarding Extensions of Credit; Assumption by the Administrative Agent      41   
Section 4.8    Changed Circumstances      42   
Section 4.9    Indemnity      43   
Section 4.10    Capital Requirements      44   
Section 4.11    Taxes      44   
Section 4.12    Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders      47   
Section 4.13    Defaulting Lenders      48   
ARTICLE V   
CLOSING; CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND BORROWING   
Section 5.1    Conditions to Closing and Initial Extensions of Credit      50   
Section 5.2    Conditions to All Extensions of Credit      53   
ARTICLE VI   
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWERS   
Section 6.1    Representations and Warranties      53   
Section 6.2    Survival of Representations and Warranties, Etc      61   
ARTICLE VII   
FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND NOTICES   
Section 7.1    Financial Statements and Projections      61   
Section 7.2    Officer’s Compliance Certificate      62   
Section 7.3    Accountants’ Certificate      62   
Section 7.4    Other Reports      62   
Section 7.5    Notice of Litigation and Other Matters      62   
Section 7.6    Accuracy of Information      63   
ARTICLE VIII   
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS   
Section 8.1    Preservation of Corporate Existence and Related Matters      64   
Section 8.2    Maintenance of Property      64   
Section 8.3    Insurance      64   
Section 8.4    Accounting Methods and Financial Records      64   
Section 8.5    Payment and Performance of Obligations      64   
Section 8.6    Compliance With Laws and Approvals      64   

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page  
Section 8.7    Environmental Laws      65   
Section 8.8    Compliance with ERISA      65   
Section 8.9    Compliance With Agreements      65   
Section 8.10    Visits and Inspections      65   
Section 8.11    Additional Subsidiaries      66   
Section 8.12    Use of Proceeds      66   
Section 8.13    Additional Borrowers      66   
Section 8.14    Anti-Corruption Laws; OFAC      66   
Section 8.15    Further Assurances      66   
ARTICLE IX   
FINANCIAL COVENANTS   
Section 9.1    Leverage Ratio      67   
Section 9.2    Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio      67   
ARTICLE X   
NEGATIVE COVENANTS   
Section 10.1    Limitations on Debt      67   
Section 10.2    Limitations on Liens      68   
Section 10.3    Limitations on Loans, Advances, Investments and Acquisitions      69   
Section 10.4    Limitations on Mergers and Liquidation      70   
Section 10.5    Limitations on Sale of Assets      70   
Section 10.6    Limitations on Dividends and Distributions      71   
Section 10.7    Limitations on Exchange and Issuance of Capital Stock      72   
Section 10.8    Transactions with Affiliates      72   
Section 10.9    Certain Accounting Changes; Organizational Documents      72   
Section 10.10    Amendments; Payments and Prepayments of Debt      72   
Section 10.11    Restrictive Agreements      73   
Section 10.12    Nature of Business      73   
ARTICLE XI   
DEFAULT AND REMEDIES   
Section 11.1    Events of Default      73   
Section 11.2    Remedies      75   
Section 11.3    Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Non-Waiver; etc      76   

 

-iii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

          Page  
ARTICLE XII   
THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT   
Section 12.1    Appointment      77   
Section 12.2    Delegation of Duties      77   
Section 12.3    Exculpatory Provisions      77   
Section 12.4    Reliance by the Administrative Agent      78   
Section 12.5    Notice of Default      79   
Section 12.6    Non-Reliance on the Administrative Agent and Other Lenders      79   
Section 12.7    Indemnification      79   
Section 12.8    The Administrative Agent in Its Individual Capacity      80   
Section 12.9    Resignation of the Administrative Agent; Successor Administrative Agent      80   
Section 12.10    Other Agents      80   
ARTICLE XIII   
MISCELLANEOUS   
Section 13.1    Notices      81   
Section 13.2    Expenses; Indemnity      82   
Section 13.3    Set-off      83   
Section 13.4    Governing Law      83   
Section 13.5    Jurisdiction and Venue      83   
Section 13.6    Reversal of Payments      84   
Section 13.7    Injunctive Relief; Punitive Damages      84   
Section 13.8    Accounting Matters      84   
Section 13.9    Successors and Assigns; Participations      85   
Section 13.10    Amendments, Waivers and Consents      89   
Section 13.11    Performance of Duties      90   
Section 13.12    All Powers Coupled with Interest      90   
Section 13.13    Survival of Indemnities      90   
Section 13.14    Titles and Captions      90   
Section 13.15    Severability of Provisions      90   
Section 13.16    Counterparts; Integration      90   
Section 13.17    Term of Agreement      90   
Section 13.18    Advice of Counsel      91   
Section 13.19    No Strict Construction      91   
Section 13.20    Inconsistencies with Other Documents; Independent Effect of Covenants      91   
Section 13.21    Effect of Agreement      91   
Section 13.22    USA Patriot Act      91   

 

-iv-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

EXHIBITS         
Exhibit A-1   

   Form of Revolving Credit Note   
Exhibit A-2   

   Form of Swingline Note   
Exhibit B   

   Form of Notice of Borrowing   
Exhibit C   

   Form of Notice of Account Designation   
Exhibit D   

   Form of Notice of Repayment   
Exhibit E   

   Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation   
Exhibit F   

   Form of Officer’s Compliance Certificate   
Exhibit G   

   Form of Assignment and Assumption   
SCHEDULES         
Schedule 1.1(a)   

   Existing Letters of Credit   
Schedule 1.1(b)   

   Commitments   
Schedule 6.1(a)   

   Jurisdictions of Organization and Qualification   
Schedule 6.1(b)   

   Subsidiaries and Capitalization   
Schedule 6.1(f)   

   Ongoing Tax Audits   
Schedule 6.1(i)   

   ERISA Plans   
Schedule 6.1(l)   

   Material Contracts   
Schedule 6.1(m)   

   Labor and Collective Bargaining Agreements   
Schedule 6.1(t)   

   Debt and Guaranty Obligations   
Schedule 6.1(u)   

   Litigation   
Schedule 8.3   

   Insurance   
Schedule 10.2   

   Existing Liens   
Schedule 10.3   

   Existing Investments   
Schedule 10.8   

   Transactions with Affiliates   

 

-v-


CREDIT AGREEMENT

FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 22, 2014, by and among BELK, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Subsidiaries of the Company listed on the signature pages hereto and each additional Subsidiary of the Company which hereafter becomes a Borrower pursuant to Section 8.11 (collectively, the “Subsidiary Borrowers” and together with the Company, the “Borrowers”), the lenders who are or may become a party to this Agreement, as Lenders, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. and BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY, as Co-Syndication Agents, and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, REGIONS BANK and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Documentation Agents.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Certain of the Borrowers, certain financial institutions, and the Administrative Agent executed and delivered that certain Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 23, 2010 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “Existing Credit Agreement”).

The Borrowers have requested, and, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders have agreed to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, such parties hereby agree that the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1 Definitions. The following terms when used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them below:

2005 Senior Notes” means the $100,000,000 5.31% Senior Notes, Series B, due July 12, 2015 issued by the Borrowers in favor of certain purchasers pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated July 12, 2005 by and among the Borrowers and such purchasers.

2007 Senior Notes” means the $125,000,000 6.20% Senior Notes, due August 31, 2017, issued by the Borrowers in favor of certain purchasers pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated August 31, 2007 by and among the Borrowers and such purchasers.

2010 Senior Notes” means the $50,000,000 5.7% Senior Notes, due November 23, 2020, issued by the Borrowers in favor of certain purchasers pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated November 23, 2010 by and among the Borrowers and such purchasers.


2011 Senior Notes” means the $100,000,000 5.21% Senior Notes, due January 25, 2022, issued by the Borrowers in favor of certain purchasers pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated December 14, 2011 by and among the Borrowers and such purchasers.

Additional Debt” means, with respect to any Borrower or any Subsidiary and to the extent not included as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet of such Borrower or Subsidiary, in accordance with GAAP, any monetary obligation (including, without limitation, all outstanding payment, recourse, repurchase, hold harmless, indemnity or similar obligations) with respect to any Synthetic Lease transaction, tax retention or off-balance sheet lease transaction, asset securitization transaction (including any accounts receivable purchase facility) or any other monetary obligation arising with respect to any other transaction which does not appear on the balance sheet of such Borrower or Subsidiary, but which (i) upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Borrower or Subsidiary would be characterized as debt of such Borrower or Subsidiary or (ii) is the functional equivalent of or takes the place of borrowing.

Adjusted Debt” means the sum of (i) Funded Debt and (ii) the product of (x) Rental Expense and (y) eight (8).

Administrative Agent” means Wells Fargo in its capacity as Administrative Agent hereunder, and any successor thereto appointed pursuant to Section 12.9.

Administrative Agent’s Office” means the office of the Administrative Agent specified in or determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.1(c).

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person (other than a Borrower or a Subsidiary of a Borrower) which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such first Person or any of its Subsidiaries. The term “control” means (a) the power to vote five percent (5%) or more of the securities or other equity interests of a Person having ordinary voting power, or (b) the possession, directly or indirectly, of any other power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Aggregate Commitment” means the aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Credit Commitments hereunder, as such amount may be reduced, increased or otherwise modified at any time or from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof. On the Closing Date, the Aggregate Commitment shall be $500,000,000.

Aggregate L/C Commitment” means the lesser of (a) $100,000,000 and (b) the Revolving Credit Commitment.

Agreement” means this Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

Anti-Corruption Laws” means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and all other federal or state laws, rules, and regulations of the United States and any national laws, rules and regulations of any foreign country, in each case applicable to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.

 

2


Applicable Law” means all applicable provisions of constitutions, laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, treaties, regulations, permits, licenses, approvals, interpretations and orders of courts or Governmental Authorities and all orders and decrees of all courts and arbitrators.

Applicable Margin” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.1(c).

Application” means an application, in the form specified by the Issuing Lender from time to time, requesting the Issuing Lender to Issue a Letter of Credit.

Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural Person), including, without limitation, any special purpose entity, that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business; provided, that such Approved Fund must be administered, managed or underwritten by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

Assignment and Assumption” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 13.9.

Auto-Extension Letter of Credit” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3.1(b).

Available Revolving Credit Commitment” means, as to any Lender at any time, an amount equal to (a) such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment less (b) such Lender’s Extensions of Credit.

Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A.

Base Rate” means, at any time, the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, and (c) the LIBOR Rate (for an Interest Period of one month) plus 1%; each change in the Base Rate shall take effect simultaneously with the corresponding change or changes in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or the LIBOR Rate.

Base Rate Loan” means any Loan bearing interest at a rate based upon the Base Rate as provided in Section 4.1(a).

BB&T” means Branch Banking and Trust Company.

Benefited Lender” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.6.

Borrowers” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble hereof.

Business Day” means (a) for all purposes other than as set forth in clause (b) below, any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday on which banks in Charlotte, North Carolina and New York, New York, are open for the conduct of their commercial banking business, and (b) with respect to all notices and determinations in connection with, and payments of principal and interest on, any LIBOR Rate Loan, any day that is a Business Day described in clause (a) and that is also a day for trading by and between banks in Dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

 

3


Calculation Date” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.1(c).

Capital Lease” means any lease of any property by any of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries, as lessee, that should, in accordance with GAAP, be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries.

Cash Collateral Account” means an account established by the Borrowers with the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Issuing Lenders and the L/C Participants.

Cash Management Agreement” means any agreement to provide cash management services, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit, debit or procurement card, electronic funds transfer and other cash management arrangements between any Borrower and any Cash Management Bank.

Cash Management Bank” means (i) any Person that, at the time it enters into a Cash Management Agreement, is a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent, in its capacity as a party to such Cash Management Agreement with any Borrower and (ii) any Person that, at the time it (or its Affiliate) becomes a Lender (including on the Closing Date), is a Lender or an Affiliate of an a Lender and is party to a Cash Management Agreement, in its capacity as party to such Cash Management Agreement with any Borrower.

Change in Control” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 11.1(i).

Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (i) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (ii) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (iii) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a Change in Law, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

Closing Date” means the date of this Agreement or such later Business Day upon which each condition described in Section 5.1 shall be satisfied or waived in all respects in a manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion.

Co-Syndication Agents” means Bank of America, N.A. and BB&T in their capacities as Co-Syndication Agents hereunder.

Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Commodity Exchange Act” shall mean the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.).

 

4


Company” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble hereof.

Consolidated” means, when used with reference to financial statements or financial statement items of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, such statements or items on a consolidated basis in accordance with applicable principles of consolidation under GAAP.

Credit Facility” means, collectively, the Revolving Credit Facility, the Swingline Facility and the L/C Facility.

Debt” means, with respect to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries at any date and without duplication, the sum of the following calculated in accordance with GAAP: (a) all Funded Debt, (b) all Additional Debt, (c) all obligations to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services of any such Person (including, without limitation, all obligations under non-competition agreements), except trade payables arising in the ordinary course of business not more than ninety (90) days past due, (d) all Debt of any other Person secured by a Lien on any asset of any such Person, (e) all Guaranty Obligations of any such Person, (f) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of any such Person relative to the face amount of letters of credit, whether or not drawn, including, without limitation, any Reimbursement Obligation, and banker’s acceptances issued for the account of any such Person, (g) all obligations of any such Person to redeem, repurchase, exchange, defease or otherwise make payments in respect of capital stock or other securities or partnership interests of such Person and (h) all net payment obligations incurred by any such Person pursuant to Hedging Agreements. For the avoidance of doubt, operating leases shall not be considered Debt for purposes of this Agreement.

Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States of America, 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.

Default” means any of the events specified in Section 11.1 which with the passage of time, the giving of notice or any other condition, would constitute an Event of Default.

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund all or any portion of the Revolving Credit Loans, participations in L/C Obligations or participations in Swingline Loans required to be funded by it hereunder within three (3) Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (b) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Lender or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within three (3) Business Days of the date when due, unless such amount is the subject of a good faith dispute, (c) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any other Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement or has made a public statement to the effect that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations under this Agreement, or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the FDIC or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any

 

5


equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 4.13(g)) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Company, each Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender and each Lender.

Designated Person” means any Person listed on a Sanctions List.

Documentation Agent” means each of PNC Bank, National Association, Regions Bank and U.S. Bank National Association in their capacity as a Documentation Agent hereunder.

Dollars” or “$” means, unless otherwise qualified, dollars in lawful currency of the United States.

EBITDA” means, for any period, the sum of the following determined on a Consolidated basis, without duplication, for the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP: (a) Net Income for such period plus (b) the sum of the following to the extent deducted in determining Net Income: (i) income and franchise taxes, (ii) Interest Expense, and (iii) amortization, depreciation, and other non-cash charges, including those related to the closing of store locations less (c) interest income and any extraordinary gains; provided that for any period during which any acquisition permitted pursuant to the terms of Section 10.3(c) is consummated, EBITDA shall be adjusted to give effect to the consummation of any such permitted acquisition on a pro forma basis in accordance with GAAP, as if such acquisitions occurred on the first day of such period, including, without limitation, adjustments reflecting any non-recurring costs, extraordinary expenses and expense savings calculated in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

EBITDAR” means, for any period, the sum of the following determined on a Consolidated basis, without duplication, for the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP: (a) EBITDA for such period plus (b) Rental Expense.

Eligible Assignee” means, with respect to any assignment of the rights, interest and obligations of a Lender hereunder, a Person that is at the time of such assignment (a) a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, having combined capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000, (b) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country that is a member of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, or a political subdivision of any such country, having combined capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000, (c) a finance company, insurance company or other financial institution which in the ordinary course of business extends credit of the type extended hereunder and that has total assets in excess of $1,000,000,000, (d) already a Lender hereunder (whether as an original party to this Agreement or as the assignee of another Lender), (e) the successor (whether by transfer of assets, merger or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the commercial

 

6


lending business of the assigning Lender, (f) any Affiliate of assigning Lender, (g) an Approved Fund, or (h) any other Person that has been approved in writing as an Eligible Assignee by the Company (other than upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Default or Event of Default) and the Administrative Agent; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, “Eligible Assignee” shall not include (i) any of the Borrowers or any of the Borrowers’ Affiliates or Subsidiaries, (ii) a natural Person (or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural Person) and (iii) any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute a Defaulting Lender or a Subsidiary thereof.

Employee Benefit Plan” means (a) any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA that is maintained for employees of any Borrower or (b) any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan that has at any time within the preceding six (6) years been maintained, funded or administered for the employees of any Borrower or any current or former ERISA Affiliate.

Environmental Claims” means any and all administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, accusations, allegations, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations (other than internal reports prepared by any Person in the ordinary course of business and not in response to any third party action or request of any kind) or proceedings relating in any way to any actual or alleged violation of or liability under any Environmental Law or relating to any permit issued, or any approval given, under any such Environmental Law, including, without limitation, any and all claims by Governmental Authorities for enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other actions or damages, contribution, indemnification cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief resulting from Hazardous Materials or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury to human health or the environment.

Environmental Laws” means any and all federal, foreign, state, provincial and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, licenses, approvals, interpretations and orders of courts or Governmental Authorities, relating to the protection of human health or the environment, including, but not limited to, requirements pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation, handling, reporting, licensing, permitting, investigation or remediation of Hazardous Materials.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the rules and regulations thereunder.

ERISA Affiliate” means any Person who together with any Borrower is treated as a single employer within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b) of ERISA.

Eurodollar Reserve Percentage” means, for any day, the percentage (expressed as a decimal and rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100th of 1%) which is in effect for such day as prescribed by the Federal Reserve Board (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including without limitation any basic, supplemental or emergency reserves) in respect of eurocurrency liabilities or any similar category of liabilities for a member bank of the Federal Reserve System in New York City.

 

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Event of Default” means any of the events specified in Section 11.1, provided that any requirement for passage of time, giving of notice, or any other condition, has been satisfied.

Excluded Swap Obligation” shall mean, with respect to any Borrower, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the liability of such Borrower with respect to, or the grant by such Borrower of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any liability with respect thereto) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Borrower’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder at the time the liability of such Borrower or the grant of such security interest becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such liability or security interest is or becomes illegal.

Existing Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the Statement of Purpose.

Existing Letters of Credit” means, collectively, all letters of credit identified on Schedule 1.1(a).

Extensions of Credit” means, as to any Lender at any time, (a) an amount equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans made by such Lender then outstanding, (ii) such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the L/C Obligations then outstanding and (iii) such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the Swingline Loans then outstanding, or (b) the making of any Loan or participation in any Letters of Credit by such Lender, as the context requires.

FATCA” shall mean Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code and any applicable intergovernmental agreements.

FDIC” means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Federal Funds Rate” means, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100th of 1%) representing the daily effective federal funds rate as quoted by the Administrative Agent and confirmed in Federal Reserve Board Statistical Release H.15 (519) or any successor or substitute publication selected by the Administrative Agent. If, for any reason, such rate is not available, then “Federal Funds Rate” shall mean a daily rate which is determined, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, to be the rate at which federal funds are being offered for sale in the national federal funds market at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern time). Rates for weekends or holidays shall be the same as the rate for the most immediately preceding Business Day. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Federal Funds Rate be less than 0%.

 

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Fee Letters” means, collectively, (a) the letter agreement dated September 18, 2014, among the Company, Wells Fargo and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, (b) the letter agreement dated September 18, 2014, among the Company, Bank of America, N.A. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and (c) the letter agreement dated September 18, 2014, between the Company and BB&T.

Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries ending on the Saturday closest to January 31 (whether such Saturday occurs in January or February).

Fixed Charges” means, for any period, the sum of the following determined on a Consolidated basis, without duplication, for the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP: (a) Interest Expense for such period and (b) Rental Expense for such period.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, as of the end of any fiscal quarter of the Borrowers, the ratio of (a) EBITDAR for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date to (b) Fixed Charges for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date.

Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the Issuing Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the outstanding L/C Obligations other than L/C Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders pursuant to Section 4.13(c) or cash collateral or other credit support reasonably acceptable to the Issuing Lender shall have been provided in accordance with the terms hereof and (b) with respect to the Swingline Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of Swingline Loans other than Swingline Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders pursuant to Section 4.13(c), repaid by the Borrower or for which cash collateral or other credit support reasonably acceptable to the Swingline Lender shall have been provided in accordance with the terms hereof.

Funded Debt” means all liabilities, obligations and indebtedness of the Borrowers for borrowed money including, but not limited to, obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments and all obligations under Capital Leases.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles, as recognized by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Financial Accounting Standards Board, consistently applied and maintained on a consistent basis for the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries throughout the period indicated and (subject to Section 13.8) consistent with the prior financial practice of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries.

Governmental Approvals” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with, and reports to, all Governmental Authorities.

Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency,

 

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authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supranational bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

Guaranty Obligation” means, with respect to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, without duplication, any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any such Person pursuant to which such Person has directly or indirectly guaranteed any Debt or other obligation of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of any such Person (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt or other obligation (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement condition or otherwise) or (b) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Debt or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided, that the term Guaranty Obligation shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

Hazardous Materials” means any substances or materials (a) which are or become defined as hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, chemical substances or mixtures or toxic substances under any Environmental Law, (b) which are toxic, explosive, corrosive, flammable, infectious, radioactive, carcinogenic, mutagenic or otherwise harmful to human health or the environment and are or become regulated by any Governmental Authority, (c) the presence of which require investigation or remediation under any Environmental Law or common law, (d) the discharge or emission or release of which requires a permit or license under any Environmental Law or other Governmental Approval, (e) which are deemed to constitute a nuisance or a trespass which pose a health or safety hazard to Persons or neighboring properties, (f) which consist of underground or aboveground storage tanks, whether empty, filled or partially filled with any substance, or (g) which contain, without limitation, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, petroleum hydrocarbons, petroleum derived substances or waste, crude oil, nuclear fuel, natural gas or synthetic gas.

Hedge Bank” means any Person that, (i) at the time it enters into a Hedging Agreement with any Borrower, is a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent or (b) at the time it (or its Affiliate) becomes a Lender (including on the Closing Date), is a party to a Hedging Agreement with a Borrower, in each case in its capacity as a party to such Hedging Agreement.

Hedging Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any Interest Rate Contract, agreement, commodity swap, forward foreign exchange agreement, currency swap agreement, cross-currency rate swap agreement, currency option agreement or other agreement or arrangement designed to alter the risks of any Person arising from fluctuations in rates, currency values or commodity prices.

Indemnitees” has the meaning specified in Section 13.2.

 

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Interest Expense” means, with respect to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for any period, the gross interest expense (including, without limitation, interest expense attributable to Capital Leases and all net payment obligations pursuant to Hedging Agreements) of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, all determined for such period on a Consolidated basis, without duplication, in accordance with GAAP.

Interest Period” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.1(b).

Interest Rate Contract” means any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate floor agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate option or any other agreement regarding the hedging of interest rate risk exposure executed in connection with hedging the interest rate exposure of any Person and any confirming letter executed pursuant to such agreement.

ISP 98” means the International Standby Practices (1998 Revision, effective January 1, 1999), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590.

Issue” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, to issue, to amend or to extend the expiry of, or to renew or increase the stated amount of, such Letter of Credit; and the terms “Issued”, “Issuing” and “Issuance” have correlative meanings.

Issuing Lenders” means, collectively, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and BB&T, in their capacity as an issuer of any Letter of Credit. All references herein to “the Issuing Lender” shall mean the applicable Issuing Lender as the context requires.

Joinder Agreement” means, collectively, each joinder agreement in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent executed in favor of the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of itself and the Lenders.

Joint Lead Arrangers” means Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and BB&T Capital Markets.

L/C Commitment” means, at any time with respect to any Issuing Lender, the obligation of such Issuing Lender to Issue Letters of Credit hereunder from time to time in an aggregate amount equal to the amount set forth opposite the name of each such Issuing Lender on Schedule 1.1(b).

L/C Facility” means the letter of credit facility established pursuant to Article III.

L/C Obligations” means at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn and unexpired amount available of the then outstanding Letters of Credit and (b) the aggregate amount of drawings under Letters of Credit which have not then been reimbursed pursuant to Section 3.5. For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.2(d). For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP 98, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.

 

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L/C Participant” means the collective reference to all the Lenders other than the applicable Issuing Lender.

Lender” means each Person executing this Agreement as a Lender (including, without limitation, the Issuing Lenders and the Swingline Lender unless the context otherwise requires) set forth on the signature pages hereto, each Person that hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement as a Lender pursuant to Section 13.9 and each New Lender.

Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender maintaining such Lender’s Extensions of Credit.

Letters of Credit” shall mean the collective reference to the Existing Letters of Credit and any letter of credit Issued by an Issuing Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

Leverage Ratio” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 9.1.

LIBOR” means the rate of interest per annum determined on the basis of the rate for deposits in Dollars in minimum amounts of at least $5,000,000 for a period equal to the applicable Interest Period which appears on the Reuters Screen LIBOR01 (or any applicable successor page) at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of the applicable Interest Period (rounded upward, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of 1%). If, for any reason, such rate does not appear on Reuters Screen LIBOR01 (or any applicable successor page), then “LIBOR” shall be determined by the Administrative Agent to be the arithmetic average of the rate per annum at which deposits in Dollars in minimum amounts of at least $5,000,000 would be offered by first class banks in the London interbank market to the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of the applicable Interest Period for a period equal to such Interest Period. Each calculation by the Administrative Agent of LIBOR shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, in no event shall LIBOR be less than 0%.

LIBOR Market Index Rate” means, as of any date, the fluctuating rate per annum of interest equal to the LIBOR Rate with a term equivalent to a one month Interest Period on such date.

LIBOR Rate” means a rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100th of 1%) determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the following formula:

 

LIBOR Rate =                               LIBOR                         
  1.00-Eurodollar Reserve Percentage

LIBOR Rate Loan” means any Loan bearing interest at a rate based upon the LIBOR Rate as provided in Section 4.1(a).

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, leasehold mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, hypothecation or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any asset which it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.

 

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Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Notes, the Applications, the Fee Letters, each Joinder Agreement and each other document, instrument, certificate and agreement executed and delivered by the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries in connection with any of the foregoing or otherwise referred to herein or contemplated hereby (excluding any Hedging Agreement and any Cash Management Agreement).

Loans” means the collective reference to the Revolving Credit Loans and the Swingline Loans, and “Loan” means any of such Loans.

Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries, a material adverse effect on the properties, business, prospects, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of any such Person or the ability of any such Person to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents or Material Contracts, in each case to which it is a party.

Material Contract” means (a) any contract or other agreement, written or oral, of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving monetary liability of or to any such Person in an amount in excess of $30,000,000 per annum, or (b) any other contract or agreement, written or oral, of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries the failure to comply with which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is making, or is accruing an obligation to make, or has accrued an obligation to make contributions within the preceding six (6) years.

Net Income” means, with respect to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, for any period of determination, the net income (or loss) of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded from Net Income (a) the net income (or loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary which shall be subject to clause (c) below), in which any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has a joint interest with a third party, except to the extent such net income is actually paid to such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by dividend or other distribution during such period, (b) the net income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of such Person or is merged into or consolidated with such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or that Person’s assets are acquired by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries except to the extent included pursuant to the foregoing clause (a), and (c) the net income (if positive) of any Subsidiary to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary to any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of such net income (i) is not at the time permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute rule or governmental regulation applicable to such Subsidiary or (ii) would be subject to any taxes payable on such dividends or distributions.

Net Worth” means the amount of assets shown on the Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries (including any items which would be treated as intangibles

 

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under GAAP, including, but not limited to capitalized interest, debt discount and expense, goodwill, patents, trademarks, copyrights, licenses and franchises), less all liabilities of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, all computed in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis (such calculation shall exclude any non-cash increase or decrease to the Prepaid Pension Asset account, as required by GAAP).

New Lender” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.7(c).

Non-Defaulting Lender” means each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender.

Non-Extension Notice Date” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 3.1(b).

Notes” means the collective reference to, the Revolving Credit Notes and the Swingline Notes and “Note” means any of such Notes.

Notice of Account Designation” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.3(b).

Notice of Borrowing” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.3(a).

Notice of Conversion/Continuation” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.2.

Notice of Repayment” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.4(c).

Obligations” means, in each case, whether now in existence or hereafter arising: (a) the principal of and interest on (including interest accruing after the filing of any bankruptcy or similar petition) the Loans, (b) the L/C Obligations, (c) all existing or future payment and other obligations owing by any Borrower under any Hedging Agreement (which such Hedging Agreement is permitted hereunder) with any Hedge Bank (all such obligations with respect to any such Hedging Agreement other than Excluded Swap Obligations, “Hedging Obligations”), (d) all payment and other obligations owing or payable at any time by any Borrower to any Cash Management Bank under or in connection with any Cash Management Agreement and (e) all other fees (including fees accruing after the filing of any bankruptcy or similar petition) and commissions (including attorneys’ fees), charges, indebtedness, loans, liabilities, financial accommodations, obligations, covenants and duties owing by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the Lenders or the Administrative Agent, in each case under or in respect of this Agreement, any Note, any Letter of Credit or any of the other Loan Documents of every kind, nature and description, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, contractual or tortious, liquidated or unliquidated, and whether or not evidenced by any note.

OFAC” means the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Officer’s Compliance Certificate” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 7.2.

 

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Operating Lease” shall mean, as to any Person as determined in accordance with GAAP, any lease of property (whether real, personal or mixed) by such Person as lessee which is not a Capital Lease.

Other Taxes” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.11(b).

Patriot Act” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 13.22.

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any successor agency.

Pension Plan” means any Employee Benefit Plan, other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and that (a) is maintained, funded or administered for the employees of any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliates or (b) has at any time within the preceding six (6) years been maintained, funded or administered for the employees of any Borrower or any of its current or former ERISA Affiliates.

Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust, business trust, joint venture, joint stock company, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or any other form of entity or group thereof.

Prepaid Pension Asset” as of any date of determination, means the fair value of the Pension Plans’ assets plus unrecognized gains/losses, prior service costs, and any unrecognized net obligation or asset from transitions in excess of the projected benefit obligations, all determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard No. 87-Employer’s Accounting for Pensions.

Prime Rate” means, at any time, the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by Wells Fargo as its prime rate. Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective as of the opening of business on the day such change in such prime rate occurs. The parties hereto acknowledge that the rate announced publicly by Wells Fargo as its prime rate is an index or base rate and shall not necessarily be its lowest or best rate charged to its customers or other banks.

Register” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 13.9(d).

Reimbursement Obligation” means the obligation of the Borrowers to reimburse the Issuing Lender pursuant to Section 3.5 for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit.

Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

Required Lenders” means at any date, any combination of Lenders whose Revolving Credit Commitments constitute more than fifty percent (50%) of the Aggregate Commitment (or, if the Credit Facility has been terminated pursuant to Section 11.2, any combination of Lenders holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate outstanding Extensions of Credit; provided that the Revolving Credit Commitment of, and the portion of the Extensions of Credit, as applicable, held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

 

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Rental Expense” means, for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or prior to the applicable date, payments made pursuant to all obligations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries under leases (other than Capital Leases) of real property or personal property, whether now existing or hereafter entered into; provided that (a) for any period during which any acquisition permitted pursuant to the terms of Section 10.3(c) is consummated, Rental Expense shall be adjusted to give effect to the consummation of such permitted acquisition on a pro forma basis in accordance with GAAP, as if such acquisition occurred on the first day of such period, including, without limitation, adjustments reflecting any non-recurring costs, extraordinary expenses and expense savings calculated in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (b) Rental Expense shall exclude any amounts required to be paid by any lessee (whether or not therein designated as rental or additional rental) (i) which are on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates and similar charges or (ii) which are based on profits, revenues or sales realized by such lessee from the leased property or otherwise based on the performance of the lessee.

Responsible Officer” means any of the following: the chief executive officer or chief financial officer of a Borrower or any other officer of a Borrower reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

Revolving Credit Commitment” means, (a) as to any Revolving Credit Lender, the obligation of such Revolving Credit Lender to make Loans to and Issue or participate in Letters of Credit Issued for the account of the Borrowers hereunder in an aggregate principal or face amount at any time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth in the Register, as the same may be reduced or modified at any time or from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof, and (b) as to all Revolving Credit Lenders, the aggregate commitment of all Revolving Credit Lenders to make Revolving Credit Loans, as such amount may be reduced at any time or from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof. The Revolving Credit Commitment of each Revolving Credit Lender on the Closing Date shall be the amount set forth opposite the name of each such Revolving Credit Lender on Schedule 1.1(b).

Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage” means, as to any Lender at any time, the ratio of (a) the amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Revolving Credit Lender to (b) the Revolving Credit Commitment of all Revolving Credit Lenders.

Revolving Credit Facility” means the revolving credit facility established pursuant to Article II.

Revolving Credit Lenders” means Lenders with a Revolving Credit Commitment.

Revolving Credit Loans” means any revolving loan made to the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.1 and Section 2.7, and all such revolving loans collectively as the context requires.

Revolving Credit Notes” means the collective reference to the Revolving Credit Notes made by the Borrowers in favor of a Revolving Credit Lender evidencing the Revolving Credit Loans made by such Revolving Credit Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 hereto,

 

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evidencing the Revolving Credit Facility, and any substitutions therefor, and any replacements, restatements, renewals or extension thereof, in whole or in part; “Revolving Credit Note” means any of such Revolving Credit Notes.

Revolving Credit Termination Date” means the earliest of (a) October 22, 2019, (b) the date of termination by the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.6 or (c) the date of termination pursuant to Section 11.2(a).

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria).

Sanctions” means (i) economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the United States government, including those administered or enforced by OFAC, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, and (ii) economic or financial sanctions imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by the United States State Department, the United States Department of Commerce or the United States Department of the Treasury.

Sanctions List” means any of the lists of specifically designated nationals or designated Persons published (and accessible to the public) by the US government and administered by OFAC, the United States State Department, the United States Department of Commerce or the United States Department of the Treasury or the United Nations Security Council or any similar list maintained by the European Union, any other EU Member State or any other U.S. government entity, in each case as the same may be amended, supplemented or substituted from time to time.

Senior Notes” means, collectively, the 2005 Senior Notes, the 2007 Senior Notes, the 2010 Senior Notes, and the 2011 Senior Notes.

Solvent” means, as to any Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a particular date, that any such Person (a) has capital sufficient to carry on its business and transactions and all business and transactions in which it is about to engage and is able to pay its debts as they mature, (b) owns property having a value, both at fair valuation and at present fair saleable value, greater than the amount required to pay its probable liabilities (including contingencies), and (c) does not believe that it will incur debts or liabilities beyond its ability to pay such debts or liabilities as they mature.

Subordinated Debt” means the collective reference to any Debt of any Borrower or any Subsidiary subordinated in right and time of payment to the Obligations and containing such other terms and conditions, in each case as are satisfactory to the Required Lenders.

Subsidiary” means as to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other managers of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity is at the time owned by or the management is otherwise controlled by such Person (irrespective of whether, at the time, capital stock or other ownership interests of any other class

 

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or classes of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency). Unless otherwise qualified references to “Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” herein shall refer to those of the Borrowers.

Subsidiary Borrowers” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble hereof.

Swap Obligation” shall mean any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Swingline Facility” means the swingline facility established pursuant to Section 2.2.

Swingline Lender” means Wells Fargo in its capacity as swingline lender hereunder.

Swingline Loan” means any swingline loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.2, and all such swingline loans collectively as the context requires.

Swingline Note” means the Swingline Note made by the Borrowers payable to the order of the Swingline Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2 hereto, evidencing the Swingline Loans.

Swingline Sublimit Amount” means $50,000,000.

Swingline Termination Date” means the first to occur of (a) the resignation of Wells Fargo as Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 12.9 and (b) the Revolving Credit Termination Date.

Synthetic Lease” means any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease, off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet financing product where such transaction is considered borrowed money indebtedness for tax purposes but is classified as an Operating Lease in accordance with GAAP.

Taxes” shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section 4.11(a).

Termination Event” means, except for the occurrence of any of the following that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect: (a) a “Reportable Event” described in Section 4043 of ERISA for which the thirty (30) day notice requirement has not been waived by the PBGC, or (b) the withdrawal of any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA, or (c) the termination of a Pension Plan, the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan or the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination, under Section 4041 of ERISA, if the plan assets are not sufficient to pay all plan liabilities or (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate, or the appointment of a trustee with respect to, any Pension Plan by the PBGC, or (e) any other event or condition which would constitute grounds under Section 4042(a) of ERISA for the termination

 

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of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan, or (f) the imposition of a Lien pursuant to Section 430(k) of the Code or Section 303 of ERISA, or (g) the determination that any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan is considered an at-risk plan or plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Section 430, 431 or 432 of the Code or Section 303, 304 or 305 of ERISA or (h) the partial or complete withdrawal of any Borrower of any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan if withdrawal liability is asserted by such Plan, or (i) any event or condition which results in the reorganization or insolvency of a Multiemployer Plan under Sections 4241 or 4245 of ERISA, or (j) any event or condition which results in the termination of a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4041A of ERISA or the institution by PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA or (k) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of North Carolina, as amended or modified from time to time.

Uniform Customs” means the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (2007 Revision), effective July 2007 International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600, as amended.

United States” means the United States of America.

Wells Fargo” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

Wholly Owned” means, with respect to a Subsidiary, that all of the shares of capital stock or other ownership interests of such Subsidiary are, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by any Borrower and/or one or more of its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries (except for directors’ qualifying shares or other shares required by Applicable Law to be owned by a Person other than such Borrower).

Withholding Agent” means the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.

Section 1.2 Other Definitions and Provisions.

(a) Use of Capitalized Terms. Unless otherwise defined therein, all capitalized terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in this Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents or any certificate, report or other document made or delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

(b) Eastern Time. Any reference herein to “Eastern time” shall refer to the applicable time of day in Charlotte, North Carolina.

(c) Miscellaneous. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement,

 

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instrument or other document shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements, restatements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns permitted hereunder, (iii) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, implementing, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

(d) Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided, however, that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Application related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.

ARTICLE II

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

Section 2.1 Revolving Credit Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, each Revolving Credit Lender severally agrees to make Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrowers from time to time from the Closing Date through, but not including, the Revolving Credit Termination Date as requested by the Borrowers in accordance with the terms of Section 2.3; provided, that (a) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans (after giving effect to any amount requested) shall not exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment less the sum of all outstanding Swingline Loans and L/C Obligations and (b) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans from any Lender to the Borrowers shall not at any time exceed such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment less the sum of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of outstanding L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans. Each Revolving Credit Loan by a Revolving Credit Lender shall be in a principal amount equal to such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Credit Loans requested on such occasion. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrowers may borrow, repay and reborrow Revolving Credit Loans hereunder until the Revolving Credit Termination Date.

 

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Section 2.2 Swingline Loans.

(a) Availability. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans to the Borrowers from time to time from the Closing Date through, but not including, the Swingline Termination Date; provided, that the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans (after giving effect to any amount requested), shall not exceed the lesser of (a) the Revolving Credit Commitment less the sum of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and L/C Obligations and (b) the Swingline Sublimit Amount.

(b) Payment of Principal and Interest. Interest on Swingline Loans shall be paid pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Unless sooner paid pursuant to the provisions hereof, the principal of each Swingline Loan shall be paid in full, together with accrued interest thereon, on the earlier to occur of (i) demand for payment by the Swingline Lender, (ii) the date that is five Business Days after the date on which such Swingline Loan is made or (iii) the Swingline Termination Date.

(c) Refunding.

(i) At any time and from time to time in its sole and absolute discretion, Swingline Loans shall be refunded by the Revolving Credit Lenders on demand by the Swingline Lender. Such refundings shall be made by the Revolving Credit Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages and shall thereafter be reflected as Revolving Credit Loans of the Revolving Credit Lenders on the books and records of the Administrative Agent. Each Revolving Credit Lender shall fund its respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of Revolving Credit Loans as required to repay Swingline Loans outstanding to the Swingline Lender upon demand by the Swingline Lender on the same Business Day such demand is made or on the next succeeding Business Day if such demand is made later than 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time). No Revolving Credit Lender’s obligation to fund its respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of a Swingline Loan shall be affected by any other Revolving Credit Lender’s failure to fund its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of a Swingline Loan, nor shall any Revolving Credit Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage be increased as a result of any such failure of any other Revolving Credit Lender to fund its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of a Swingline Loan.

(ii) The Borrowers shall pay to the Swingline Lender on demand the amount of such Swingline Loans to the extent amounts received from the Revolving Credit Lenders are not sufficient to repay in full the outstanding Swingline Loans requested or required to be refunded. In addition, the Borrowers hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to charge any account maintained by the Borrowers with the Swingline Lender (up to the amount available therein) in order to immediately pay the Swingline Lender the amount of such Swingline Loans to the extent amounts received from the Revolving Credit Lenders are not sufficient to repay in full the outstanding Swingline Loans requested or required to be refunded. If any portion of any such amount paid to the Swingline Lender shall be recovered by or on behalf of the Borrowers from

 

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the Swingline Lender in any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, the loss of the amount so recovered shall be ratably shared among all the Revolving Credit Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages (unless the amounts so recovered by or on behalf of the Borrowers pertain to a Swingline Loan extended after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default of which the Administrative Agent has received notice in the manner required pursuant to Section 12.5 and which such Event of Default has not been waived by the Required Lenders or the Lenders, as applicable).

(iii) Each Revolving Credit Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to refund Swingline Loans in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.2 is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including, without limitation, non-satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Article V. Further, each Revolving Credit Lender agrees and acknowledges that if prior to the refunding of any outstanding Swingline Loans pursuant to this Section 2.2, one of the events described in Section 11.1(j) or (k) shall have occurred, each Revolving Credit Lender will, on the date the applicable Revolving Credit Loan would have been made, purchase an undivided participating interest in the Swingline Loan to be refunded in an amount equal to its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage (as in effect immediately prior to any such event) of the aggregate amount of such Swingline Loan. Each Revolving Credit Lender will immediately transfer to the Swingline Lender, in immediately available funds, the amount of its participation and upon receipt thereof the Swingline Lender will deliver to such Revolving Credit Lender a certificate evidencing such participation dated the date of receipt of such funds and for such amount. Whenever, at any time after the Swingline Lender has received from any Revolving Credit Lender such Revolving Credit Lender’s participating interest in a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender receives any payment on account thereof, the Swingline Lender will distribute to such Revolving Credit Lender its participating interest in such amount (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Revolving Credit Lender’s participating interest was outstanding and funded).

(d) Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.2, the Swingline Lender shall not be obligated to make any Swingline Loan at a time when any other Lender is a Defaulting Lender, unless the Swingline Lender has entered into arrangements with the Borrowers or such Defaulting Lender that are satisfactory to the Swingline Lender to eliminate the Swingline Lender’s Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 4.13(c)) with respect to any such Defaulting Lender, which may include, at the sole discretion of the Swingline Lender, cash collateral or other credit support reasonably acceptable to the Swingline Lender.

Section 2.3 Procedure for Advances of Revolving Credit and Swingline Loans.

(a) Requests for Borrowing. The Borrowers shall give the Administrative Agent irrevocable prior written notice substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (a “Notice of Borrowing”) not later than 11:00 a.m. (Eastern time) (i) on the same Business Day as each Base Rate Loan and each Swingline Loan and (ii) at least three (3) Business Days before

 

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each LIBOR Rate Loan, of its intention to borrow, specifying (A) the date of such borrowing, which shall be a Business Day, (B) the amount of such borrowing, which shall be, (x) with respect to Base Rate Loans (other than Swingline Loans) in an aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof, (y) with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof and (z) with respect to Swingline Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof, (C) whether such Loan is to be a Revolving Credit Loan or Swingline Loan, (D) in the case of a Revolving Credit Loan whether the Loans are to be LIBOR Rate Loans or Base Rate Loans, and (E) in the case of a LIBOR Rate Loan, the duration of the Interest Period applicable thereto. A Notice of Borrowing received after 11:00 a.m. (Eastern time) shall be deemed received on the next Business Day. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders of each Notice of Borrowing.

(b) Disbursement of Revolving Credit and Swingline Loans. Not later than 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on the proposed borrowing date, (i) each Revolving Credit Lender will make available to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Borrowers, at the office of the Administrative Agent in funds immediately available to the Administrative Agent, such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Credit Loans to be made on such borrowing date and (ii) the Swingline Lender will make available to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Borrowers, at the office of the Administrative Agent in funds immediately available to the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Loans to be made on such borrowing date. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 5.2 (and, if such Borrowing is on the Closing Date, Section 5.1), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the applicable Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent, and the Borrowers hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to disburse the proceeds of each borrowing requested pursuant to this Section 2.3 in immediately available funds by crediting or wiring such proceeds to the deposit account of the Company identified in the most recent notice substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto (a “Notice of Account Designation”) delivered by the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent or as may be otherwise agreed upon by the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent from time to time. Subject to Section 4.7 hereof, the Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to disburse the portion of the proceeds of any Revolving Credit Loan requested pursuant to this Section 2.3 to the extent that any Revolving Credit Lender has not made available to the Administrative Agent its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of such Loan. Revolving Credit Loans to be made for the purpose of refunding Swingline Loans shall be made by the Revolving Credit Lenders as provided in Section 2.2(c).

Section 2.4 Repayment of Loans.

(a) Repayment on Revolving Credit Termination Date. The Borrowers hereby agree to repay the outstanding principal amount of (i) all Revolving Credit Loans in full on the Revolving Credit Termination Date, and (ii) all Swingline Loans in accordance with Section 2.2, together, in each case, with all accrued but unpaid interest thereon.

(b) Mandatory Repayments. If at any time the outstanding principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans plus the sum of all outstanding Swingline Loans and L/C Obligations exceeds the Revolving Credit Commitment, the Borrowers agree to repay

 

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immediately upon notice from the Administrative Agent, by payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders an amount equal to such excess with each such repayment applied first to the outstanding principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans, second to the principal amount of outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and third, with respect to any Letters of Credit then outstanding, a payment of cash collateral into the Cash Collateral Account for the benefit of the Issuing Lenders and L/C Participants in an amount equal to the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of such Letters of Credit (all such cash collateral to be applied in accordance with Section 11.2(b)).

(c) Optional Repayments. The Borrowers may at any time and from time to time repay the Loans, in whole or in part, upon at least three (3) Business Days’ irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans and one (1) Business Day irrevocable notice with respect to Base Rate Loans and Swingline Loans, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (a “Notice of Repayment”) specifying the date and amount of repayment and whether the repayment is of LIBOR Rate Loans, Base Rate Loans, Swingline Loans or a combination thereof, and, if of a combination thereof, the amount allocable to each. Upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender, except with respect to any repayment of Swingline Loans. If any such notice is given, the amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date set forth in such notice. Partial repayments shall be in an aggregate amount of $3,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof with respect to Base Rate Loans (other than Swingline Loans), $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans and $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof with respect to Swingline Loans. Each such repayment shall be accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 4.9 hereof. A Notice of Prepayment received after 11:00 a.m. shall be deemed received on the next Business Day.

(d) Limitation on Repayment of LIBOR Rate Loans. The Borrowers may not repay any LIBOR Rate Loan on any day other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto unless such repayment is accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 4.9 hereof.

(e) Other Agreements. No repayment or prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall affect any Borrower’s obligations under any Hedging Agreement or any Cash Management Agreement.

Section 2.5 Notes.

(a) Revolving Credit Notes. Except as otherwise provided in Section 13.9 (a)-(e), inclusive, at the request of a Revolving Credit Lender, such Lender’s Revolving Credit Loans and the obligation of the Borrowers to repay such Revolving Credit Loans shall be evidenced by a separate Revolving Credit Note executed by the Borrowers payable to the order of such Revolving Credit Lender.

(b) Swingline Notes. At the request of the Swingline Lender, the Swingline Loans and the obligation of the Borrowers to repay such Swingline Loans shall be evidenced by a Swingline Note executed by the Borrowers payable to the order of the Swingline Lender.

 

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Section 2.6 Permanent Reduction of the Revolving Credit Commitment.

(a) Voluntary Reduction. The Borrowers shall have the right at any time and from time to time, upon at least five (5) Business Days prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, to permanently reduce, without premium or penalty, (i) the entire aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment or (ii) portions of the Revolving Credit Commitment, in an aggregate principal amount of not less than $3,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. The amount of each partial permanent reduction shall be applied pro rata to reduce the remaining mandatory reduction amounts required under Section 2.6(b), and such reduction shall permanently reduce the Lenders’ Revolving Credit Commitments to make Loans and Issue or participate in Letters of Credit pro rata in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages.

(b) Corresponding Payment. Each permanent reduction permitted pursuant to this Section 2.6 shall be accompanied by a payment of principal sufficient to reduce the aggregate outstanding Revolving Credit Loans, Swingline Loans and L/C Obligations, as applicable, after such reduction to the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment as so reduced and if the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment as so reduced is less than the aggregate amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit, the Borrowers shall be required to deposit cash collateral in the Cash Collateral Account in an amount equal to the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of such Letters of Credit. Such cash collateral shall be applied in accordance with Section 11.2(b). Any reduction of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment to zero shall be accompanied by payment of all outstanding Revolving Credit Loans and Swingline Loans (and furnishing of cash collateral or other credit support reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent for all L/C Obligations) and shall result in the termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments and the Revolving Credit Facility. Such cash collateral shall be applied in accordance with Section 11.2(b). If the reduction of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment requires the repayment of any LIBOR Rate Loan, such repayment shall be accompanied by any amount required to be paid pursuant to Section 4.9 hereof.

Section 2.7 Increase of Revolving Credit Commitment.

(a) So long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, at any time prior to the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Closing Date, the Borrowers shall have the right from time to time upon not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Administrative Agent to increase the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment by an aggregate amount (for all such requests) not to exceed $200,000,000; provided that any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 (and in integral multiples of $10,000,000), or less, if equal to the maximum remaining amount permitted above. In no event shall the Aggregate Commitment be increased to an amount greater than $700,000,000.

(b) Each existing Revolving Credit Lender shall have the right, but not the obligation, to commit to all or a portion of the proposed increase. Any increase in the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment that is accomplished by increasing the Revolving Credit Commitment of any Revolving Credit Lender or Revolving Credit Lenders who are at the time of such increase party to this Agreement (which Lender or Lenders shall consent to such increase in their sole and absolute discretion) shall be accomplished as follows: (i) this Agreement will

 

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be amended by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and those Lender(s) whose Revolving Credit Commitment(s) is or are being increased (but without any requirement that the consent of the Required Lenders be obtained) to reflect the revised Revolving Credit Commitment amounts of each of the Revolving Credit Lenders, (ii) the Administrative Agent will update the Register to reflect the revised Revolving Credit Commitment amount and Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of each of the Revolving Credit Lenders, (iii) the Extensions of Credit of each Revolving Credit Lender will be reallocated on the effective date of such increase among the Revolving Credit Lenders in accordance with their revised Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages (and the Revolving Credit Lenders agree to make all payments and adjustments necessary to effect the reallocation and the Borrowers shall pay any and all costs required pursuant to Section 4.9 in connection with such reallocation as if such reallocation were a repayment) and (iv) if requested by such Lender or Lenders, the Borrowers will deliver new Revolving Credit Note(s) to the Lender or Lenders whose Commitment(s) is or are being increased reflecting the revised Revolving Credit Commitment amount of such Revolving Credit Lender(s).

(c) If the Administrative Agent does not receive sufficient commitments from the existing Revolving Credit Lenders to fund the entire amount of the proposed increase, Borrower may then solicit commitments from Eligible Assignees. The failure by any existing Lender to respond to a request for such increase shall be deemed to be a refusal of such request by such existing Lender. Any increase in the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment that is accomplished by addition of a new Revolving Credit Lender under the Agreement (each such new Lender, a “New Lender”) shall occur as follows: (i) such New Lender shall be an Eligible Assignee and shall be subject to the consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, (ii) this Agreement will be amended by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and by the party becoming a New Lender hereunder (but without any requirement that the consent of the Required Lenders be obtained) solely to reflect the addition of such party as a Revolving Credit Lender hereunder, (iii) the Administrative Agent will update the Register to reflect the revised Revolving Credit Commitment and Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of each of the Revolving Credit Lenders, (iv) the Extensions of Credit of each of the Revolving Credit Lenders will be reallocated on the effective date of such increase among the Revolving Credit Lenders in accordance with their revised Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages (and the Revolving Credit Lenders agree to make all payments and adjustments necessary to effect the reallocation and the Borrowers shall pay any and all costs required pursuant to Section 4.9 in connection with such reallocation as if such reallocation were a repayment) and (v) at the request of any Revolving Credit Lender, the Borrowers will deliver a Revolving Credit Note to such Lender.

(d) As a condition precedent to any such increase, the Borrowers shall deliver a certificate from the Borrowers dated on the date of such increase and signed by a Responsible Officer certified as accurate that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (A) no Default or Event of Default exists and (B) the Borrowers are in compliance on a pro forma basis with the covenants contained in Article IX hereof and attaching thereto calculations evidencing such compliance.

 

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Section 2.8 Joint and Several Liability of Borrowers.

(a) Each of the Borrowers is accepting joint and several liability hereunder in consideration of the financial accommodation to be provided by the Lenders under this Agreement, for the mutual benefit, directly and indirectly, of each of the Borrowers and in consideration of the undertakings of each of the Borrowers to accept joint and several liability for the obligations of each of them.

(b) Each of the Borrowers jointly and severally hereby irrevocably and unconditionally accepts, not merely as a surety but also as a co-debtor, joint and several liability with the other Borrowers with respect to the payment and performance of all of the Obligations (other than Excluded Swap Obligations solely with respect to such Borrower) arising under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, it being the intention of the parties hereto that all the Obligations (other than Excluded Swap Obligations solely with respect to any such Borrower) shall be the joint and several obligations of each of the Borrowers without preferences or distinction among them.

(c) If and to the extent that any of the Borrowers shall fail to make any payment with respect to any of the Obligations as and when due or to perform any of the Obligations in accordance with the terms thereof, then in each such event, the other Borrowers will make such payment with respect to, or perform, such Obligation (other than Excluded Swap Obligations solely with respect to any such Borrower).

(d) The obligations of each Borrower under the provisions of this Section 2.8 constitute full recourse obligations of such Borrower, enforceable against it to the full extent of its properties and assets.

(e) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, each Borrower (in its capacity as a joint and several obligor in respect of the obligations of the other Borrowers) hereby waives notice of acceptance of its joint and several liability, notice of occurrence of any Default or Event of Default (except to the extent notice is expressly required to be given pursuant to the terms of this Agreement), or of any demand for any payment under this Agreement, notice of any action at any time taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under or in respect of any of the obligations hereunder, any requirement of diligence and, generally, all demands, notices and other formalities of every kind in connection with this Agreement. Each Borrower hereby assents to, and waives notice of, any extension or postponement of the time for the payment of any of the Obligations, the acceptance of any partial payment thereon, any waiver, consent or other action or acquiescence by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders at any time or times in respect of any default by the other Borrowers in the performance or satisfaction of any term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement, any and all other indulgences whatsoever by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in respect of any of the obligations hereunder, and the taking, addition, substitution or release, in whole or in part, at any time or times, of any security for any of such obligations or the addition, substitution or release, in whole or in part, of the other Borrowers. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Borrower (in its capacity as a joint and several obligor in respect of the obligations of the other Borrowers) assents to any other action or delay in acting or any failure to act on the part of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, including, without

 

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limitation, any failure strictly or diligently to assert any right or to pursue any remedy or to comply fully with applicable laws or regulations thereunder which might, but for the provisions of this Section 2.8, afford grounds for terminating, discharging or relieving such Borrower, in whole or in part, from any of its obligations under this Section 2.8, it being the intention of each Borrower that, so long as any of the Obligations hereunder remain unsatisfied, the obligations of such Borrower under this Section 2.8 shall not be discharged except by performance and then only to the extent of such performance. The obligations of each Borrower under this Section 2.8 shall not be diminished or rendered unenforceable by any winding up, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation, reconstruction or similar proceeding with respect to any Borrower or a Lender. The joint and several liability of the Borrowers hereunder shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any absorption, merger, amalgamation or any other change whatsoever in the name, membership, constitution or place of formation of any Borrower or any of the Lenders.

(f) The provisions of this Section 2.8 are made for the benefit of the Lenders and their successors and assigns, and may be enforced by them from time to time against any of the Borrowers as often as occasion therefor may arise and without requirement on the part of the Lenders first to marshal any of its claims or to exercise any of its rights against the other Borrowers or to exhaust any remedies available to it against the other Borrowers or to resort to any other source or means of obtaining payment of any of the Obligations hereunder or to elect any other remedy. The provisions of this Section 2.8 shall remain in effect until all the Obligations shall have been paid in full or otherwise fully satisfied. If at any time, any payment, or any part thereof, made in respect of any of the Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Lenders upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any of the Borrowers, or otherwise, the provisions of this Section 2.8 will forthwith be reinstated and in effect as though such payment had not been made.

(g) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein or in any of the other Loan Documents, to the extent the obligations of any Borrower shall be adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason (including, without limitation, because of any applicable state or federal law relating to fraudulent conveyances or transfers) then the obligations of such Borrower hereunder shall be limited to the maximum amount that is permissible under applicable law (whether federal or state and including, without limitation, the Bankruptcy Code of the United States).

(h) The Subsidiary Borrowers hereby agree among themselves that, if any Subsidiary Borrower shall make an Excess Payment (as defined below), such Subsidiary Borrower shall have a right of contribution from each other Subsidiary Borrower in an amount equal to such other Subsidiary Borrower’s Contribution Share (as defined below) of such Excess Payment. The payment obligations of any Subsidiary Borrower under this Section 2.8(h) shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the Obligations until such time as the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and the Revolving Credit Commitments terminated, and none of the Subsidiary Borrowers shall exercise any right or remedy under this Section 2.8(h) against any other Subsidiary Borrower until such Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and the Revolving Credit Commitments terminated. For purposes of this Section 2.8(h), (i) “Excess Payment” shall mean the amount paid by any Subsidiary Borrower in excess of its Ratable Share (as defined below) of any Obligations; (ii)

 

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Ratable Share” shall mean, for any Subsidiary Borrower in respect of any payment of Obligations, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) as of the date of such payment of Obligations of (A) the amount by which the aggregate present fair salable value of all of its assets and properties exceeds the amount of all debts and liabilities of such Subsidiary Borrower (including probable contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the obligations of such Subsidiary Borrower hereunder) to (B) the amount by which the aggregate present fair salable value of all assets and other properties of all of the Subsidiary Borrowers exceeds the amount of all of the debts and liabilities (including probable contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the obligations of the Subsidiary Borrowers hereunder) of all of the Subsidiary Borrowers; provided, however, that, for purposes of calculating the Ratable Shares of the Subsidiary Borrowers in respect of any payment of Obligations, any Subsidiary Borrower that became a Subsidiary Borrower subsequent to the date of any such payment shall be deemed to have been a Subsidiary Borrower on the date of such payment and the financial information for such Subsidiary Borrower as of the date such Subsidiary Borrower became a Subsidiary Borrower shall be utilized for such Subsidiary Borrower in connection with such payment; and (iii) “Contribution Share” shall mean, for any Subsidiary Borrower in respect of any Excess Payment made by any other Subsidiary Borrower, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) as of the date of such Excess Payment of (A) the amount by which the aggregate present fair salable value of all of its assets and properties exceeds the amount of all debts and liabilities of such Subsidiary Borrower (including probable contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the obligations of such Subsidiary Borrower hereunder) to (B) the amount by which the aggregate present fair salable value of all assets and other properties of all of the Subsidiary Borrowers other than the maker of such Excess Payment exceeds the amount of all of the debts and liabilities (including probable contingent, subordinated, unmatured, and unliquidated liabilities, but excluding the obligations of the Subsidiary Borrowers) of all of the Subsidiary Borrowers other than the maker of such Excess Payment; provided, however, that, for purposes of calculating the Contribution Shares of the Subsidiary Borrowers in respect of any Excess Payment, any Subsidiary Borrower that became a Subsidiary Borrower subsequent to the date of any such Excess Payment shall be deemed to have been a Subsidiary Borrower on the date of such Excess Payment and the financial information for such Subsidiary Borrower as of the date such Subsidiary Borrower became a Subsidiary Borrower shall be utilized for such Subsidiary Borrower in connection with such Excess Payment. Each of the Subsidiary Borrowers recognizes and acknowledges that the rights to contribution arising hereunder shall constitute an asset in favor of the party entitled to such contribution. This Section 2.8 shall not be deemed to affect any right of subrogation, indemnity, reimbursement or contribution that any Subsidiary Borrower may have under Applicable Law against the Borrower in respect of any payment of Obligations.

(i) Notwithstanding any payment or payments by any of the Subsidiary Borrowers hereunder, or any set-off or application of funds of any of the Subsidiary Borrowers by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party, or the receipt of any amounts by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party with respect to any of the Obligations, none of the Subsidiary Borrowers shall be entitled to be subrogated to any of the rights of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party against the Borrower or the other Subsidiary Borrowers or against any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party for the payment of the Obligations nor shall any of the Subsidiary Borrowers seek

 

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any reimbursement from the Borrower or any of the other Subsidiary Borrowers in respect of payments made by such Subsidiary Borrower in connection with the Obligations, until all amounts owing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders on account of the Obligations are indefeasibly paid in full in cash and the Revolving Credit Commitments are terminated. If any amount shall be paid to any Subsidiary Borrower on account of such subrogation rights at any time when all of the Obligations shall not have been indefeasibly paid in full, such amount shall be held by such Subsidiary Borrower in trust for the Administrative Agent, segregated from other funds of such Subsidiary Borrower, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by such Subsidiary Borrower, be turned over to the Administrative Agent in the exact form received by such Subsidiary Borrower (duly endorsed by such Subsidiary Borrower to the Administrative Agent, if required) to be applied against the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in such order as set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Section 2.9 Appointment of the Company. Each of the Borrowers hereby appoints the Company to act as its agent for all purposes under this Agreement (including, without limitation, with respect to all matters related to the borrowing and repayment of Loans) and agrees that (a) the Company may execute such documents on behalf of the other Borrowers as the Company deems appropriate in its sole discretion and the Borrowers shall be obligated by all of the terms of any such document executed on its behalf, (b) any notice or communication delivered by the Administrative Agent or the Lender to the Company shall be deemed delivered to the Borrowers and (c) the Administrative Agent or the Lenders may accept, and be permitted to rely on, any document, instrument or agreement executed by the Company on behalf of the Borrowers.

ARTICLE III

LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY

Section 3.1 L/C Commitments.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Issuing Lender, in reliance on the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in Section 3.4(a), agrees to Issue standby and trade Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrowers on any Business Day from the Closing Date through but not including the tenth (10th) Business Day prior to the Revolving Credit Termination Date in such form as may be approved from time to time by such Issuing Lender; provided, that no Issuing Lender shall Issue any Letters of Credit if, after giving effect to any such Issuance, (i) the L/C Obligations with respect to Letters of Credit Issued by such Issuing Lender would exceed the L/C Commitment of such Issuing Lender, (ii) the aggregate L/C Obligations of the Issuing Lenders would exceed the Aggregate L/C Commitment, or (iii) the Available Revolving Credit Commitment of any Lender would be zero or less than zero. Each Letter of Credit shall (A) be denominated in Dollars in a minimum amount of $5,000, (B) be a standby letter of credit or trade letter of credit Issued to support obligations of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries, contingent or otherwise, incurred in the ordinary course of business, (C) expire on a date satisfactory to the Issuing Lender, which date shall be no later than the earlier of (1) one (1) year after its date of Issuance (subject to any automatic extensions permitted below) and (2) the tenth (10th) Business Day prior to the Revolving Credit Termination Date and (iii) be subject to the Uniform Customs and/or ISP 98, as set forth in the

 

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Application or as determined by the Issuing Lender and, to the extent not inconsistent therewith, the laws of the State of North Carolina. The Issuing Lender shall not at any time be obligated to Issue or maintain any Letter of Credit hereunder if such Issuance or maintenance would conflict with, or cause the Issuing Lender or any L/C Participant to exceed any limits imposed by, any Applicable Law.

(b) If the Borrowers so request in any applicable Application, the Issuing Lender may, in its sole discretion, agree to Issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “Auto-Extension Letter of Credit”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the Issuing Lender to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “Non-Extension Notice Date”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is Issued. Unless otherwise directed by the Issuing Lender, the Borrowers shall not be required to make a specific request to the Issuing Lender for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been Issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the Issuing Lender to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the tenth (10th) Business Day prior to the Revolving Credit Termination Date; provided, however, that the Issuing Lender shall not permit any such extension if (A) the Issuing Lender has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to Issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of Section 3.1(a) or otherwise), or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is ten Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Company that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 5.2 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing the Issuing Lender not to permit such extension.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 3.1, the Issuing Lender shall not be obligated to Issue any Letter of Credit (i) at a time when any other Lender is a Defaulting Lender, unless the Issuing Lender has entered into arrangements with the Borrowers or such Defaulting Lender which are reasonably satisfactory to the Issuing Lender to eliminate the Issuing Lender’s Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 4.13(c)) with respect to any such Defaulting Lender, which may include, at the sole discretion of the Issuing Lender, the delivery of cash collateral or other credit support reasonably acceptable to the Issuing Lender or (ii) if any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the Issuing Lender from Issuing the Letter of Credit, or any Applicable Law or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the Issuing Lender shall prohibit, or request that the Issuing Lender refrain from, the Issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or if any Change in Law shall impose upon the Issuing Lender with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve, capital or liquidity requirement (for which the Issuing Lender is not otherwise compensated hereunder) or shall impose upon the Issuing Lender any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which the Issuing Lender in good faith deems material to it. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Issuing Lender shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) the

 

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Issuing Lender would have no obligation at such time to Issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to the Letter of Credit.

(d) The Existing Letters of Credit shall be deemed to be Letters of Credit Issued by Wells Fargo under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Effective on the Closing Date, the participations in the Existing Letters of Credit (as in effect under the Existing Credit Agreement) shall be adjusted to give effect to any change in the Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of each Lender as a result of this Agreement.

Section 3.2 Procedure for Issuance of Letters of Credit. The Borrowers may from time to time request that an Issuing Lender issue a Letter of Credit by delivering to the Issuing Lender an Application therefor, with a copy to the Administrative Agent, completed to the satisfaction of the Issuing Lender, and such other certificates, documents and other papers and information as the Issuing Lender may request. In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Application, the terms hereof shall control. Upon receipt of any Application, the Issuing Lender shall process such Application and the certificates, documents and other papers and information delivered to it in connection therewith in accordance with its customary procedures and shall, subject to Section 3.1(a) and Article V hereof, promptly Issue the Letter of Credit requested thereby (but in no event shall the Issuing Lender be required to Issue any Letter of Credit earlier than three (3) Business Days after its receipt of the Application therefor and all such other certificates, documents and other papers and information relating thereto) by Issuing the original of such Letter of Credit to the beneficiary thereof or as otherwise may be agreed by the Issuing Lender and the Borrowers. The Issuing Lender shall, contemporaneously with the Issuance of each Letter of Credit, deliver a copy thereof to the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall promptly furnish to the Company a copy of such Letter of Credit and promptly notify each Revolving Credit Lender of the Issuance and upon request by any Lender, furnish to such Lender a copy of such Letter of Credit and the amount of such Lender’s participation therein.

Section 3.3 Fees and Other Charges.

(a) Subject to Section 4.13(f), the Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Lender and the L/C Participants, a letter of credit fee with respect to each Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the average outstanding amount of such Letter of Credit during the calendar quarter for which such fee applies multiplied by the Applicable Margin with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans (determined on a per annum basis). Such fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter, on the Revolving Credit Termination Date and thereafter on demand of the Administrative Agent with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, distribute to the L/C Participants all fees received pursuant to this Section 3.3(a) in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages.

(b) In addition to the foregoing letter of credit fee, the Borrowers shall pay directly to the Issuing Lender, a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit as set forth in the applicable Fee Letter. Such fronting fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter commencing with the first such date to occur after the Issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Revolving Credit Termination Date, and thereafter on demand of the Administrative Agent at the request of the Issuing Lender.

 

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(c) In addition to the foregoing fees, the Borrowers shall pay or reimburse the Issuing Lender for such normal and customary costs and expenses as are incurred or charged by the Issuing Lender in Issuing, effecting payment under, amending or otherwise administering any Letter of Credit.

Section 3.4 L/C Participations.

(a) Immediately upon the Issuance of each Letter of Credit, the Issuing Lender irrevocably agrees to grant and hereby grants to each L/C Participant, and, to induce the Issuing Lender to Issue Letters of Credit hereunder, each L/C Participant irrevocably agrees to accept and purchase and hereby accepts and purchases from the Issuing Lender, on the terms and conditions hereinafter stated, for such L/C Participant’s own account and risk an undivided interest equal to such L/C Participant’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage in the Issuing Lender’s obligations and rights under and in respect of each Letter of Credit Issued hereunder and the amount of each draft paid by the Issuing Lender thereunder. Each L/C Participant unconditionally and irrevocably agrees with the Issuing Lender that, if a draft is paid under any Letter of Credit for which the Issuing Lender is not reimbursed in full by the Borrowers through a Revolving Credit Loan or otherwise in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, such L/C Participant shall pay to the Issuing Lender upon demand at the Issuing Lender’s address for notices specified herein an amount equal to such L/C Participant’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the amount of such draft, or any part thereof, which is not so reimbursed. Each L/C Participant’s obligation to purchase and fund its participation interest in each Letter of Credit in accordance with this Section 3.4(a) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (i) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such L/C Participant may have against the Issuing Lender, the Borrowers or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (ii) the occurrence or continuance of a Default or Event of Default, or (iii) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

(b) Upon becoming aware of any amount required to be paid by any L/C Participant to the Issuing Lender pursuant to Section 3.4(a) in respect of any unreimbursed portion of any payment made by the Issuing Lender under any Letter of Credit, the Issuing Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent and each L/C Participant of the amount and due date of such required payment and such L/C Participant shall pay to the Issuing Lender the amount specified on the applicable due date. If any such amount is paid to the Issuing Lender after the date such payment is due, such L/C Participant shall pay to the Issuing Lender on demand, in addition to such amount, the product of (i) such amount, times (ii) the daily average Federal Funds Rate as determined by the Administrative Agent during the period from and including the date such payment is due to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Issuing Lender, times (iii) a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days that elapse during such period and the denominator of which is 360. A certificate of the Issuing Lender with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 3.4(b) shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. With respect to payment to the Issuing Lender of the unreimbursed amounts described in this Section 3.4(b), if the L/C Participants receive notice that

 

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any such payment is due (A) prior to 1:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on any Business Day, such payment shall be due that Business Day, and (B) after 1:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on any Business Day, such payment shall be due on the following Business Day.

(c) Whenever, at any time after the Issuing Lender has made payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any L/C Participant its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of such payment in accordance with this Section 3.4, the Issuing Lender receives any payment related to such Letter of Credit (whether directly from a Borrower or otherwise, or any payment of interest on account thereof), the Issuing Lender will distribute to such L/C Participant its pro-rata share thereof; provided, that in the event that any such payment received by the Issuing Lender shall be required to be returned by the Issuing Lender, such L/C Participant shall return to the Issuing Lender the portion thereof previously distributed by the Issuing Lender to it. The obligations of the L/C Participants under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

Section 3.5 Reimbursement Obligation of the Borrowers. In the event of any drawing under any Letter of Credit, the Borrowers agree to reimburse the Issuing Lender in same day funds (either with the proceeds of a Revolving Credit Loan as provided for in this Section 3.5 or with funds from other sources) on each date on which the Issuing Lender notifies the Company of the date and amount of a draft paid under any Letter of Credit. The amount of the Reimbursement Obligation shall equal the amount of (a) such draft so paid and (b) any amounts referred to in Section 3.3(c) incurred by the Issuing Lender in connection with such payment. Unless the Borrowers shall immediately notify the Issuing Lender that the Borrowers intend to reimburse the Issuing Lender for such drawing from other sources or funds, the Borrowers shall be deemed to have timely given a Notice of Borrowing to the Administrative Agent requesting that the Lenders make a Revolving Credit Loan bearing interest at the Base Rate on such date in the amount of (a) such draft so paid and (b) any amounts referred to in Section 3.3(c) incurred by the Issuing Lender in connection with such payment, and the Lenders shall make a Revolving Credit Loan bearing interest at the Base Rate in such amount, the proceeds of which shall be applied to reimburse the Issuing Lender for the amount of the related drawing and costs and expenses. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to fund a Revolving Credit Loan in accordance with this Section 3.5 to reimburse the Issuing Lender for any draft paid under a Letter of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including, without limitation, non-satisfaction of the conditions set forth in this Agreement. If the Borrowers elect to pay the amount of such drawing with funds from other sources and fail to reimburse the Issuing Lender as provided above, the unreimbursed amount of such drawing shall bear interest at the rate which would be payable on any outstanding Base Rate Loans which were then overdue from the date such amounts become payable (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) until payment in full.

Section 3.6 Obligations Absolute. The Borrowers’ obligations under this Article III (including without limitation the Reimbursement Obligation) shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances and irrespective of any set-off, counterclaim or defense to payment which the Borrowers may have or have had against the Issuing Lender or any beneficiary of a Letter of Credit or any other Person. The Borrowers also agree that the Issuing Lender and the L/C Participants shall not be responsible for, and the Borrowers’ Reimbursement Obligation under Section 3.5 shall not be affected by, among other things, the validity or

 

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genuineness of documents or of any endorsements thereon, even though such documents shall in fact prove to be invalid, fraudulent or forged, or any dispute between or among any Borrower and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any other party to which such Letter of Credit may be transferred or any claims whatsoever of any Borrower against any beneficiary of such Letter of Credit or any such transferee. The Issuing Lender shall not be liable for any error, omission, interruption or delay in transmission, dispatch or delivery of any message or advice, however transmitted, in connection with any Letter of Credit, except for errors or omissions caused by the Issuing Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment. The Borrowers agree that any action taken or omitted by the Issuing Lender under or in connection with any Letter of Credit or the related drafts or documents, if done in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment, shall be binding on each Borrower and shall not result in any liability of the Issuing Lender or any L/C Participant to any Borrower. The responsibility of the Issuing Lender to the Borrowers in connection with any draft presented for payment under any Letter of Credit shall, in addition to any payment obligation expressly provided for in such Letter of Credit, be limited to determining that the documents (including each draft) delivered under such Letter of Credit in connection with such presentment are in conformity with such Letter of Credit.

Section 3.7 Effect of Application. To the extent that any provision of any Application related to any Letter of Credit is inconsistent with the provisions of this Article III, the provisions of this Article III shall apply.

ARTICLE IV

GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS

Section 4.1 Interest.

(a) Interest Rate Options. Subject to the provisions of this Section 4.1, at the election of the Borrowers, (i) Revolving Credit Loans shall bear interest at (A) the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin or (B) the LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin (provided that the LIBOR Rate shall not be available until three (3) Business Days after the Closing Date unless the Borrowers have delivered to the Administrative Agent a letter in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent indemnifying the Lenders in the manner set forth in Section 4.9 of this Agreement) and (ii) any Swingline Loan shall bear interest at (A) the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin or (B) the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus the Applicable Margin for LIBOR Rate Loans. The Borrowers shall select the rate of interest and Interest Period, if any, applicable to any Loan at the time a Notice of Borrowing is given or at the time a Notice of Conversion/Continuation is given pursuant to Section 4.2. Any Loan or any portion thereof as to which the Borrowers have not duly specified an interest rate as provided herein shall be deemed a Base Rate Loan.

(b) Interest Periods. In connection with each LIBOR Rate Loan, the Borrowers, by giving notice at the times described in Section 2.3(a) or Section 4.1(a), shall elect an interest period (each, an “Interest Period”) to be applicable to such Loan, which Interest

 

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Period shall be a period of one (1), two (2), three (3) or six (6) months with respect to each LIBOR Rate Loan; provided that:

(i) the Interest Period shall commence on the date of advance of or conversion to any LIBOR Rate Loan and, in the case of immediately successive Interest Periods, each successive Interest Period shall commence on the date on which the immediately preceding Interest Period expires;

(ii) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next succeeding Business Day; provided, that if any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day but is a day of the month after which no further Business Day occurs in such month, such Interest Period shall expire on the immediately preceding Business Day;

(iii) any Interest Period with respect to a LIBOR Rate Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the relevant calendar month at the end of such Interest Period;

(iv) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Revolving Credit Termination Date; and

(v) there shall be no more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect at any time.

(c) Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin provided for in Section 4.1(a) with respect to any Loan (the “Applicable Margin”) shall be based upon the table set forth below and shall be determined and adjusted quarterly on the date (each a “Calculation Date”) ten (10) Business Days after the date by which the Borrowers are required to provide an Officer’s Compliance Certificate for the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrowers; provided, however, that (a) the initial Applicable Margin shall be based on Pricing Level IV (as shown below) and shall remain at Pricing Level IV until the first Calculation Date occurring after the Closing Date and, thereafter the Pricing Level shall be determined by reference to the Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrowers preceding the applicable Calculation Date, and (b) if the Borrowers fail to provide the Officer’s Compliance Certificate as required by Section 7.2 for the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrowers preceding the applicable Calculation Date, the Applicable Margin from such Calculation Date shall be based on Pricing Level I (as shown below) until such time as an appropriate Officer’s Compliance Certificate is provided, at which time the Pricing Level shall be determined by reference to the Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrowers preceding such Calculation Date. The Applicable Margin shall be effective from one Calculation Date until the next Calculation Date. Any adjustment in the Applicable Margin shall be applicable to all Extensions of Credit then existing or subsequently made or Issued.

 

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Pricing Level

  

Leverage Ratio

  

LIBOR

   

Base Rate

 
I    Greater than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00      1.75     0.75
II    Greater than or equal to 2.75 to 1.00, but less than 3.25 to 1.00      1.50     0.50
III    Greater than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00, but less than 2.75 to 1.00      1.25     0.25
IV    Greater than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00, but less than 2.25 to 1.00      1.125     0.125
V    Greater than or equal to 1.25 to 1.00 but less than 1.75 to 1.00      1.00     0.00
VI    Less than 1.25 to 1.00      0.875     0.0

(d) Default Rate. Subject to Section 11.3, at the discretion of the Administrative Agent or as directed by the Required Lenders, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, (i) the Borrowers shall no longer have the option to request LIBOR Rate Loans or Swingline Loans, (ii) all outstanding LIBOR Rate Loans shall bear interest at a rate per annum of two percent (2%) in excess of the rate then applicable to LIBOR Rate Loans until the end of the applicable Interest Period and thereafter at a rate equal to two percent (2%) in excess of the rate then applicable to Base Rate Loans, and (iii) all outstanding Base Rate Loans and other Obligations arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to two percent (2%) in excess of the rate then applicable to Base Rate Loans or such other Obligations arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document. Interest shall continue to accrue on the Obligations after the filing by or against any Borrower of any petition seeking any relief in bankruptcy or under any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

(e) Interest Payment and Computation. Interest on each Base Rate Loan shall be payable in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter; and interest on each LIBOR Rate Loan shall be payable on the last day of each Interest Period applicable thereto or, in the case of any LIBOR Rate Loan having an Interest Period of six (6) months, every three (3) months. Interest on LIBOR Rate Loans and all fees payable hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and assessed for the actual number of days elapsed and interest on Base Rate Loans shall be computed on the basis of a 365/366-day year and assessed for the actual number of days elapsed.

(f) Maximum Rate. In no contingency or event whatsoever shall the aggregate of all amounts deemed interest hereunder or under any of the Loans charged or collected pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or pursuant to any of the Loans exceed the highest rate permissible under any Applicable Law which a court of competent jurisdiction shall, in a final determination, deem applicable hereto. In the event that such a court determines that the Lenders have charged or received interest hereunder in excess of the highest applicable rate, the rate in effect hereunder shall automatically be reduced to the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law and the Lenders shall at the Administrative Agent’s option (i) promptly refund to the Borrowers any interest received by the Lenders in excess of the maximum lawful rate or

 

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(ii) apply such excess to the principal balance of the Obligations on a pro rata basis. It is the intent hereof that the Borrowers not pay or contract to pay, and that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender receive or contract to receive, directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever, interest in excess of that which may be paid by the Borrowers under Applicable Law.

Section 4.2 Notice and Manner of Conversion or Continuation of Loans. Provided that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing, the Borrowers shall have the option to (a) convert at any time following the third Business Day after the Closing Date all or any portion of any outstanding Base Rate Loans (other than Swingline Loans) in a principal amount equal to $5,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof into one or more LIBOR Rate Loans and (b) upon the expiration of any Interest Period, (i) convert all or any part of its outstanding LIBOR Rate Loans in a principal amount equal to $3,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof into Base Rate Loans (other than Swingline Loans) or (ii) continue such LIBOR Rate Loans as LIBOR Rate Loans. Whenever the Borrowers desire to convert or continue Loans as provided above, the Borrowers shall give the Administrative Agent irrevocable prior written notice in the form attached as Exhibit E (a “Notice of Conversion/Continuation”) not later than 11:00 a.m. (Eastern time) three (3) Business Days before the day on which a proposed conversion or continuation of such Loan is to be effective specifying (A) the Loans to be converted or continued, and, in the case of any LIBOR Rate Loan to be converted or continued, the last day of the Interest Period therefor, (B) the effective date of such conversion or continuation (which shall be a Business Day), (C) the principal amount of such Loans to be converted or continued, and (D) the Interest Period to be applicable to such converted or continued LIBOR Rate Loan. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders of such Notice of Conversion/Continuation.

Section 4.3 Fees.

(a) Commitment Fee. Commencing on the Closing Date, subject to Section 4.13(f), the Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Revolving Credit Lenders, a non-refundable commitment fee at a rate per annum equal to the applicable rate set forth below on the average daily unused portion of the Revolving Credit Commitment. The applicable commitment fee rate shall be based upon the table set forth below and shall be determined and adjusted quarterly on each Calculation Date; provided, however, that (a) the initial commitment fee rate shall be based on Pricing Level IV (as shown below) and shall remain at Pricing Level IV until the first Calculation Date occurring after the Closing Date and, thereafter the Pricing Level shall be determined by reference to the Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrowers preceding the applicable Calculation Date, and (b) if the Borrowers fail to provide the Officer’s Compliance Certificate as required by Section 7.2 for the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrowers preceding the applicable Calculation Date, the commitment fee from such Calculation Date shall be based on Pricing Level I (as shown below) until such time as an appropriate Officer’s Compliance Certificate is provided, at which time the Pricing Level shall be determined by reference to the Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrowers preceding such Calculation Date. The commitment fee rate shall be effective from one Calculation Date until the next Calculation Date. Any adjustment in the commitment fee rate shall be applicable to all Extensions of Credit then existing or subsequently made or Issued. The

 

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commitment fee shall be payable in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter during the term of this Agreement, and on the Revolving Credit Termination Date. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, for purposes of calculating the commitment fee payable at any time to any Revolving Credit Lender other than the Swingline Lender, amounts outstanding under the Swingline Facility shall not be included in the calculation of the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Commitment.

 

Pricing Level

  

Leverage Ratio

  

Commitment Fee

 
I    Greater than or equal to 3.25 to 1.00      0.225
II    Greater than or equal to 2.75 to 1.00, but less than 3.25 to 1.00      0.175
III    Greater than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00, but less than 2.75 to 1.00      0.150
IV    Greater than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00, but less than 2.25 to 1.00      0.125
V    Greater than or equal to 1.25 to 1.00 but less than 1.75 to 1.00      0.100
VI    Less than 1.25 to 1.00      0.080

(b) Administrative Agent’s and Other Fees. The Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent and the Joint Lead Arrangers, for their own respective accounts, fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letters.

Section 4.4 Manner of Payment.

(a) Each payment by the Borrowers on account of the principal of or interest on the Loans or of any fee, commission or other amounts (including the Reimbursement Obligation) payable to the Lenders under this Agreement or any Note shall be made not later than 1:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on the date specified for payment under this Agreement to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent’s Office for the account of the Lenders pro rata in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages, in Dollars, in immediately available funds and shall be made without any set-off, counterclaim or deduction whatsoever. Any payment received after such time but before 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on such day shall be deemed a payment on such date for the purposes of Section 11.1, but for all other purposes shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day. Any payment received after 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time) shall be deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day for all purposes. Upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of each such payment, the Administrative Agent shall distribute to each Lender at its address for notices set forth herein its pro rata share of such payment in accordance with such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage, with respect to Extensions of Credit and shall wire advice of the amount of such credit to each Lender. Other than payments governed by Section 3.3, each payment to the Administrative Agent of the Issuing Lender’s fees or L/C Participants’ commissions shall be made in like manner, but for the account of the Issuing Lender or the L/C Participants, as the case may be. Each payment to the Administrative Agent of Administrative Agent’s fees or expenses shall be made for the account of the Administrative Agent and any

 

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amount payable to any Lender under Sections 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11 or 13.2 shall be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lender. Subject to Section 4.1(b)(ii), if any payment under this Agreement or any Note shall be specified to be made upon a day which is not a Business Day, it shall be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day and such extension of time shall in such case be included in computing any interest if payable along with such payment.

(b) Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing clause (a), if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, each payment by the Borrowers hereunder shall be applied in accordance with Section 4.13(b).

Section 4.5 Crediting of Payments and Proceeds. In the event that the Borrowers shall fail to pay any of the Obligations when due and the Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to Section 11.2, all payments received by the Lenders in respect of the Loans and the other Obligations and all net proceeds from the enforcement of the Obligations shall be applied: (a) first to all expenses then due and payable by the Borrowers hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) then to all indemnity obligations then due and payable by the Borrowers hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (c) then to all Administrative Agent’s and Issuing Lenders’ fees then due and payable, (d) then to all commitment and other fees and commissions then due and payable, (e) then to accrued and unpaid interest on the Swingline Loans to the Swingline Lender, (f) then to the principal amount outstanding under the Swingline Loans to the Swingline Lender, (g) then to accrued and unpaid interest on the Revolving Credit Loans and accrued and unpaid interest on the Reimbursement Obligation (pro rata in accordance with all such amounts due), (h) then to the principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans and Reimbursement Obligations and any Hedging Obligations (including any termination payments and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon) and obligations under any Cash Management Agreement with a Cash Management Bank pro rata in accordance with all such amounts due, (i) then to the Cash Collateral Account described in Section 11.2(b) and Section 11.2(c) hereof to the extent of any L/C Obligations then outstanding, in that order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligations arising under Cash Management Agreements and Hedge Agreements shall be excluded from the application described above if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank, as the case may be. Each Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank not a party to this Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Article XII for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto.

Section 4.6 Adjustments. If any Lender (a “Benefited Lender”) shall at any time receive any payment of all or part of the Obligations owing to it, or interest thereon, or if any Lender shall at any time receive any collateral in respect to the Obligations owing to it (whether voluntarily or involuntarily, by set-off or otherwise) (other than pursuant to Sections 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11 or 13.2 hereof) in a greater proportion than any such payment to and collateral received by any other Lender, if any, in respect of the similar Obligations owing to such other Lender, or interest thereon, such Benefited Lender shall purchase for cash from the other Lenders such portion of each such other Lender’s Extensions of Credit, or shall provide such other

 

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Lenders with the benefits of any such collateral, or the proceeds thereof, as shall be necessary to cause such Benefited Lender to share the excess payment or benefits of such collateral or proceeds ratably with each of the Lenders; provided, that

(a) if all or any portion of such excess payment or benefits is thereafter recovered from such Benefited Lender, such purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase price and benefits returned to the extent of such recovery, but without interest; and

(b) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (i) any payment made by the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement, (ii) the application of cash collateral provided for in Section 4.13 or (iii) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrowers or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply).

The Borrowers agree that each Lender so purchasing a portion of another Lender’s Extensions of Credit may exercise all rights of payment (including, without limitation, rights of set-off) with respect to such portion as fully as if such Lender were the direct holder of such portion.

Section 4.7 Nature of Obligations of Lenders Regarding Extensions of Credit; Assumption by the Administrative Agent. The obligations of the Lenders under this Agreement to make the Loans and Issue or participate in Letters of Credit are several and are not joint or joint and several. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to a proposed borrowing date that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s ratable portion of the amount to be borrowed on such date (which notice shall not release such Lender of its obligations hereunder), the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such portion available to the Administrative Agent on the proposed borrowing date in accordance with Section 2.3(b) and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrowers on such date a corresponding amount. If such amount is made available to the Administrative Agent on a date after such borrowing date, such Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent on demand an amount, until paid, equal to the product of (a) the amount not made available by such Lender in accordance with the terms hereof, times (b) the daily average Federal Funds Rate during such period as determined by the Administrative Agent, times (c) a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days that elapse from and including such borrowing date to the date on which such amount not made available by such Lender in accordance with the terms hereof shall have become immediately available to the Administrative Agent and the denominator of which is 360. A certificate of the Administrative Agent with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 4.7 shall be conclusive, absent manifest error. If such Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of such borrowing is not made available to the Administrative Agent by such Lender within three (3) Business Days after such borrowing date, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to recover such amount made available by the Administrative Agent with interest thereon at the rate per annum applicable to Base Rate Loans hereunder, on demand, from the Borrowers. The failure of any Lender to make available its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of any Loan requested by the Borrowers shall not relieve it or any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of such Loan

 

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available on the borrowing date, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make its Percentage of such Loan available on the borrowing date. Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the contrary, any Lender that fails to make available its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of any Loan shall not (a) have any voting or consent rights under or with respect to any Loan Document or (b) constitute a “Lender” (or be included in the calculation of Required Lenders hereunder) for any voting or consent rights under or with respect to any Loan Document.

Section 4.8 Changed Circumstances.

(a) Circumstances Affecting LIBOR Rate Availability. If with respect to any Interest Period the Administrative Agent or any Lender (after consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall determine that, by reason of circumstances affecting the foreign exchange and interbank markets generally, deposits in eurodollars, in the applicable amounts are not being quoted via the Reuters Screen LIBOR01 (or any applicable successor page) or offered to the Administrative Agent or such Lender for such Interest Period, then the Administrative Agent shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Company. Thereafter, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Company that such circumstances no longer exist, the obligation of the Lenders to make LIBOR Rate Loans and the right of the Borrowers to convert any Loan to or continue any Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan shall be suspended, and the Borrowers shall repay in full (or cause to be repaid in full) the then outstanding principal amount of each such LIBOR Rate Loan together with accrued interest thereon, on the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loan or convert the then outstanding principal amount of each such LIBOR Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan as of the last day of such Interest Period.

(b) Laws Affecting LIBOR Rate Availability. If any Change in Law shall make it unlawful or impossible for any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) to honor its obligations hereunder to make or maintain any LIBOR Rate Loan, such Lender shall promptly give notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall promptly give notice to the Company and the other Lenders. Thereafter, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Company that such circumstances no longer exist, (i) the obligations of the Lenders to make LIBOR Rate Loans and the right of the Borrowers to convert any Loan or continue any Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan shall be suspended and thereafter the Borrowers may select only Base Rate Loans hereunder, and (ii) if any of the Lenders may not lawfully continue to maintain a LIBOR Rate Loan to the end of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto as a LIBOR Rate Loan, the applicable LIBOR Rate Loan shall immediately be converted to a Base Rate Loan for the remainder of such Interest Period.

(c) Increased Costs. If any Change in Law:

(i) shall (except as provided in Section 4.11(e)) subject any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) to any tax, duty or other charge with respect to its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations hereunder, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto or shall change the basis of taxation of payments to any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) of the principal of or interest on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations hereunder, or its deposits, reserves, other

 

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liabilities or capital attributable thereto (except for Taxes covered by Section 4.11(a) or taxes excluded from the definition of Taxes under Section 4.11(a)); provided that the Borrowers shall not be obligated to pay any amounts pursuant to this Section 4.8(c)(i) to the extent that such amounts are duplicative of any amounts paid by the Borrowers pursuant to Section 4.11; or

(ii) shall impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve (including, without limitation, any reserve imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), special deposit, insurance, compulsory loan, insurance or capital or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) or shall impose on any of the Lenders (or any of their respective Lending Offices) or the foreign exchange and interbank markets any other condition, cost or expense (other than taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; and the result of any of the foregoing events described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to increase the costs to any of the Lenders of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan or participating in, Issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to Issue any Letter of Credit) or to reduce the yield or amount of any sum received or receivable by any of the Lenders under this Agreement or under the Notes in respect of a LIBOR Rate Loan or Letter of Credit or Application, then such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Company of such fact and demand compensation therefor pursuant to a writing which includes a certificate with supporting calculations and, within fifteen (15) days after such notice by the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Lenders for such increased cost or reduction. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Company of any event of which it has knowledge which will entitle such Lender to compensation pursuant to this Section 4.8(c); provided, that the Administrative Agent shall incur no liability whatsoever to the Lenders or the Borrowers in the event it fails to do so. A certificate of such Lender setting forth the basis for determining such amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender shall be forwarded to the Company through the Administrative Agent and shall be conclusively presumed to be correct save for manifest error.

Section 4.9 Indemnity. The Borrowers hereby indemnify each of the Lenders against any loss or expense which may arise or be attributable to each Lender’s obtaining, liquidating or employing deposits or other funds acquired to effect, fund or maintain any LIBOR Rate Loan (a) as a consequence of any failure by the Borrowers to make any payment when due of any amount due hereunder in connection with a LIBOR Rate Loan, (b) due to any failure of the Borrowers to borrow, continue or convert on a date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation or (c) due to any payment, prepayment or conversion of any LIBOR Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor. The amount of such loss or expense shall be determined, in the applicable Lender’s sole discretion, based upon the assumption that such Lender funded its Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of the LIBOR Rate Loans in the London interbank market and using any reasonable attribution or averaging methods which such Lender deems appropriate and

 

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practical. A certificate of such Lender with supporting calculations setting forth the basis for determining such amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender shall be forwarded to the Company through the Administrative Agent and shall be conclusively presumed to be correct save for manifest error.

Section 4.10 Capital Requirements. If any Change in Law has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of, or has affected or would affect the amount of capital or liquidity required to be maintained by, any Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender as a consequence of, or with reference to the Revolving Credit Commitments and other commitments of this type, below the rate which such Lender or such other corporation could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or the Issuing Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then within five (5) Business Days after written demand by any such Lender, the Borrowers shall pay to such Lender from time to time as specified by such Lender additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or other corporation for such reduction. A certificate with supporting calculations as to such amounts submitted to the Company and the Administrative Agent by such Lender shall, in the absence of manifest error, be presumed to be correct and binding for all purposes.

Section 4.11 Taxes.

(a) Payments Free and Clear. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.11(e), any and all payments by any Borrower hereunder or under the Notes or the Letters of Credit shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholding, and all liabilities with respect thereto excluding, (i) in the case of each Lender and the Administrative Agent, income and franchise taxes imposed by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) is organized or is or should be qualified to do business or any political subdivision thereof, (ii) in the case of each Lender, income and franchise taxes imposed by the jurisdiction of such Lender’s Lending Office or any political subdivision thereof and (iii) any U.S. federal withholding taxes imposed under FATCA (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter referred to as “Taxes”). If any Withholding Agent shall be required by any Applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of the applicable Withholding Agent) to deduct or withhold any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any Loan Document or in respect of any Letter of Credit to any Lender or the Administrative Agent, (A) except as otherwise provided in Section 4.11(e), the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions or withholdings (including deductions or withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 4.11) such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the amount such party would have received had no such deductions or withholdings been made, (B) the applicable Withholding Agent shall make such deductions or withholdings and shall pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant taxing authority or other authority in accordance with Applicable Law.

(b) Stamp and Other Taxes. In addition, the Borrowers shall pay any present or future stamp, registration, recordation or documentary taxes or any other similar fees or charges or excise or property taxes, levies of the United States or any state or political

 

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subdivision thereof or any applicable foreign jurisdiction which arise from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement, the Loans, the Letters of Credit, or the other Loan Documents, or the perfection of any rights or security interest in respect thereof (hereinafter referred to as “Other Taxes”).

(c) Indemnity. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4.11(e), the Borrowers shall indemnify each Lender and the Administrative Agent for the full amount of Taxes and Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes and Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 4.11) payable or paid by such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Person, and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. Such indemnification shall be made within thirty (30) days from the date such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor.

(d) Evidence of Payment. Within thirty (30) days after the date of any payment of Taxes or Other Taxes, the Borrowers shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender, at its address referred to in Section 13.1, the original or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof or other evidence of payment satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(e) Delivery of Tax Forms. To the extent required by Applicable Law to reduce or eliminate withholding or payment of taxes, each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall deliver to the Company, with a copy to the Administrative Agent, on the Closing Date or concurrently with the delivery of the relevant Assignment and Assumption, as applicable, (i) two United States Internal Revenue Service Forms W-9, Forms W-8ECI or Forms W-8BEN or W-BEN-E, as applicable (or successor forms) properly completed and certifying in each case that such Lender is entitled to a complete exemption from withholding or deduction for or on account of any United States federal income taxes, and (ii) an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-BEN-E, as applicable, or W-8ECI or successor applicable form, as the case may be, to establish an exemption from United States backup withholding taxes. Each such Lender further agrees to deliver to the Company, with a copy to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, two Form W-9, Form W-8BEN or W-BEN-E, as applicable, or W-8ECI, or successor applicable forms or manner of certification, as the case may be, on or before the date that any such form expires or becomes obsolete or after the occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent form previously delivered by it to the Company, certifying in the case of a Form W-9, Form W-8BEN or W-BEN-E, as applicable, or W-8ECI (or successor forms) that such Lender is entitled to receive payments under this Agreement without deduction or withholding of any United States federal income taxes unless in any such case a Change in Law has occurred prior to the date on which any such delivery would otherwise be required which renders such forms inapplicable or the exemption to which such forms relate unavailable and such Lender notifies the Company and the Administrative Agent that it is not entitled to receive payments without deduction or withholding of United States federal income taxes) and, in the case of a Form W-9, Form W-8BEN or W-BEN-E, as applicable, or W-8ECI, establishing an exemption from United States backup withholding tax. If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in

 

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Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Company and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Company or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by Applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Company or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. For purposes of determining U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed under FATCA, from and after the effective date of this Agreement, the Company and the Administrative Agent shall treat (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to treat) the Agreement as not qualifying as a “grandfathered obligation” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i). Solely for purposes of this Section 4.11(e), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, the Borrowers shall not be required to pay additional amounts to any Lender or the Administrative Agent under Section 4.11 or Section 4.8(c), (i) if such Lender or the Administrative Agent fails to comply with the requirements of this Section 4.11(e), other than to the extent that such failure is due to a Change in Law occurring after the date on which such Lender or the Administrative Agent became a party to this Agreement or (ii) that are the result of such Lender’s or the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, as applicable, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment.

(f) Survival. Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of any Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrowers contained in this Section 4.11 shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of the Revolving Credit Commitments.

(g) Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within 10 days after demand therefor, for (i) for the full amount of Taxes and Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes and Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 4.11) attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that the Borrowers have not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Taxes and Other Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Borrowers to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 13.9(f) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any taxes attributable to such Lender not included in the definition of “Taxes”, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (g).

 

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Section 4.12 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 4.8(c) or Section 4.10, or requires the Borrowers to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 4.11, then, if requested by any Borrower, such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 4.8(c), Section 4.10 or Section 4.11, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

(b) Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 4.8(c) or Section 4.10, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 4.11 or Section 4.12(a), or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender hereunder, then the Borrowers may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 13.9), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that:

(i) the Borrowers shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 13.9;

(ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in Letters of Credit, accrued interest payable thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 4.9) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

(iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 4.10 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 4.11, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and

(iv) such assignment does not conflict with Applicable Law.

A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

 

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Section 4.13 Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law:

(a) Waivers and Amendments. Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 13.10.

(b) Reallocation of Payments. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 13.3), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Lenders and/or the Swingline Lender hereunder; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent or requested by any Issuing Lender and/or the Swingline Lender, to be held as cash collateral for future funding obligations of such Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Swingline Loan or Letter of Credit (until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender and to the extent not applied towards such funding obligations); fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of such Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Lenders or Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Lender or Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (i) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Revolving Credit Loans or funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (ii) such Revolving Credit Loans or funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 5.2 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Revolving Credit Loans of, and funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Revolving Credit Loans of, or funded participations in Swingline Loans or Letters of Credit owed to, such Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section 4.13(b) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

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(c) Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure. During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender, all or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment) but only to the extent that such reallocation does not cause the aggregate Extensions of Credit of any Non-Defaulting Lender to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment. No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

(d) Cash Collateral for Letters of Credit. Promptly on written demand to the Borrowers by the Issuing Lender or the Administrative Agent from time to time, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent cash collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure with respect to the Issuing Lender (after giving effect to Section 4.13(c)) on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Lender (and such cash collateral shall be in Dollars). Any such cash collateral shall be deposited in a separate account with the Administrative Agent, subject to the exclusive dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, as collateral (solely for the benefit of the Issuing Lender) for the payment and performance of each Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of outstanding L/C Obligations. Moneys in such account (a) shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Lender immediately for each Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment Percentage of any drawing under any Letter of Credit that has not otherwise been reimbursed by the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender and (b) to the extent not applied to reimburse the Issuing Lender, shall be returned promptly to the Borrowers when all Lenders are Non-Defaulting Lenders.

(e) Prepayment of Swingline Loans. Promptly on demand by the Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent from time to time, the Borrowers shall prepay Swingline Loans in an amount of all Fronting Exposure with respect to the Swingline Lender (after giving effect to Section 4.13(c)).

(f) Certain Fees. For any period during which such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender (i) shall not be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant to Section 4.3 and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to such Defaulting Lender) and (ii) shall not be entitled to receive any letter of credit commissions pursuant to Section 3.3(a) otherwise payable to the account of a Defaulting Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit as to which such Defaulting Lender has not provided cash collateral or other credit support arrangements satisfactory to the Issuing Lender pursuant to Section 4.13(d), but instead, the Borrowers shall pay to the Non-Defaulting Lenders the amount of such letter of credit commissions in accordance with the upward adjustments in their respective Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages allocable to such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 4.13(c), with the balance of such fee, if any, payable to the Issuing Lenders for their own account ratably based upon their sharing of the aggregate Fronting Exposure.

 

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(g) Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Lenders agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any cash collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase that portion of outstanding Revolving Credit Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Revolving Credit Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Revolving Credit Commitment Percentages (without giving effect to Section 4.13(c)), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrowers while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from such Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

ARTICLE V

CLOSING; CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND BORROWING

Section 5.1 Conditions to Closing and Initial Extensions of Credit. The obligation of the Lenders to close this Agreement and to make the initial Loan or Issue or participate in any Letter of Credit is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

(a) Executed Loan Documents. This Agreement and the Notes (to the extent requested by any Lender), together with any other applicable Loan Documents, shall have been duly authorized, executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent by the parties thereto, shall be in full force and effect and no Default or Event of Default shall exist thereunder, and the Borrowers shall have delivered original counterparts thereof to the Administrative Agent.

(b) Closing Certificates; etc.

(i) Officer’s Certificate of the Borrowers. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate from a Responsible Officer, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, to the effect that all representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true, correct and complete; that the Borrowers are not in violation of any of the covenants contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; that, after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and that the Borrowers have satisfied each of the closing conditions.

(ii) Certificate of Secretary of the Borrowers. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of the secretary or assistant secretary of each Borrower certifying as to the incumbency and genuineness of the signature of each officer of each Borrower executing Loan Documents to which it is a party, certifying that

 

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the articles of incorporation or formation and bylaws, operating agreement or other governing document of such Borrower delivered pursuant to the Existing Credit Agreement continue unchanged (or, if applicable, specifying the nature of any changes thereto) and remain in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and certifying that attached thereto is a true, correct and complete copy of (A) resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors or other governing body of each Borrower authorizing the transactions contemplated hereunder and the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party and (B) each certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(b)(iii).

(iii) Certificates of Good Standing. The Administrative Agent shall have received certificates as of a recent date of the good standing of each Borrower under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, each other jurisdiction where such Borrower is qualified to do business.

(iv) Opinions of Counsel. The Administrative Agent shall have received favorable opinions of counsel to the Borrowers addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with respect to the Borrowers, the Loan Documents and such other matters as the Lenders shall request.

(v) Tax Forms. The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of the United States Internal Revenue Service forms required by Section 4.11(e) hereof.

(c) Consents; Defaults.

(i) Governmental and Third Party Approvals. The Borrowers shall have obtained all necessary approvals, authorizations and consents of any Person and of all Governmental Authorities and courts having jurisdiction with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

(ii) No Injunction, Etc. No action, proceeding (including, without limitation, a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding), investigation, regulation or legislation shall have been instituted, threatened or proposed before any Governmental Authority to enjoin, restrain, or prohibit, or to obtain substantial damages in respect of, or which is related to or arises out of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or which, in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion, would make it inadvisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and such other Loan Documents.

(iii) No Event of Default. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(d) Financial Matters.

(i) Financial Statements. The Administrative Agent shall have received (A) the audited Consolidated financial statements of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as of February 1, 2014 and (B) the unaudited Consolidated financial statements of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as of August 2, 2014.

 

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(ii) Financial Condition Certificate. The Borrowers shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and certified as accurate by a Responsible Officer, that (A) after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby, (1) each of (x) the Company, individually, and (y) the other Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, considered with the Company as a whole are Solvent, (2) attached thereto are calculations evidencing compliance on a pro forma basis with the covenants contained in Article IX hereof, (3) the financial projections previously delivered to the Administrative Agent represent the good faith estimates (utilizing reasonable assumptions) of the financial condition and operations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries and (B) attached thereto is a calculation of the Applicable Margin pursuant to Section 4.1(c).

(iii) Payment at Closing; Fee Letters. The Borrowers shall have paid to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders the fees set forth or referenced in Section 4.3 and any other accrued and unpaid fees or commissions due hereunder (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses) and to any other Person such amount as may be due thereto in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including all taxes, fees and other charges in connection with the execution, delivery, recording, filing and registration of any of the Loan Documents.

(e) Miscellaneous.

(i) Payments under Existing Credit Agreement. (A) all accrued but unpaid interest and fees under the Existing Credit Agreement shall be paid in cash (by wire transfer) in full on the Closing Date, and (B) all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of counsel to Administrative Agent shall be paid in cash (by wire transfer) in full on the Closing Date. The Borrowers acknowledge that there are no Revolving Credit Loans outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement on the Closing Date.

(ii) Existing Letters of Credit. The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence to its satisfaction that there are no outstanding unpaid draws or any existing default or event of default under the Existing Letters of Credit or under any of the Loan Documents related thereto.

(iii) Regulatory Information. The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Borrowers all documentation and other information requested by the Administrative Agent that is required to satisfy applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the Patriot Act.

(iv) Other Documents. All opinions, certificates and other instruments and all proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of all other documents, certificates and instruments reasonably requested thereby, with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 12.3, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 5.1, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

Section 5.2 Conditions to All Extensions of Credit. The obligations of the Lenders to make any Extensions of Credit (including the initial Extension of Credit), participate in any Letter of Credit, convert or continue any Loan and/or the Issuing Lenders to issue or extend any Letter of Credit are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent on the relevant borrowing, continuation, conversion, Issuance or extension date:

(a) Continuation of Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties contained in Article VI shall be true and correct on and as of such borrowing, continuation, conversion or Issuance date with the same effect as if made on and as of such date; except for any representation and warranty made as of an earlier date, which representation and warranty shall remain true and correct as of such earlier date.

(b) No Existing Default. No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) on the borrowing, continuation or conversion date with respect to such Loan or after giving effect to the Loans to be made, continued or converted on such date or (ii) on the Issuance date with respect to such Letter of Credit or after giving effect to the Issuance of such Letter of Credit on such date.

(c) Notices. The Administrative Agent shall have received a Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation, as applicable, from the Borrowers in accordance with Section 2.3(a).

(d) Additional Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have received each additional document, instrument, legal opinion or other item reasonably requested by it.

ARTICLE VI

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWERS

Section 6.1 Representations and Warranties. To induce the Administrative Agent and Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to induce the Lenders to make Extensions of Credit and/or participate in the Existing Letters of Credit, the Borrowers hereby represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent and Lenders both before and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereunder that:

(a) Organization; Power; Qualification. Each of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the

 

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jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation, has the power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being and hereafter proposed to be conducted and is duly qualified and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction in which the character of its properties or the nature of its business requires such qualification and authorization. The jurisdictions in which the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries are organized and qualified to do business as of the Closing Date are described on Schedule 6.1(a).

(b) Ownership. Each Subsidiary of any Borrower as of the Closing Date is listed on Schedule 6.1(b). As of the Closing Date, the capitalization of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries consists of the number of shares, authorized, issued and outstanding, of such classes and series, with or without par value, described on Schedule 6.1(b). All outstanding shares have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, with no personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof, and not subject to any preemptive or similar rights. The shareholders of the Subsidiaries of each Borrower and the number of shares owned by each as of the Closing Date are described on Schedule 6.1(b). As of the Closing Date, there are no outstanding stock purchase warrants, subscriptions, options, securities, instruments or other rights of any type or nature, which are convertible into Debt or which are exchangeable for or otherwise provide for or permit the issuance of capital stock of the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries in an amount which in the aggregate for any Borrower or Subsidiary exceeds twenty (20%) percent of the issued and outstanding capital stock of such Borrower or Subsidiary.

(c) Authorization of Agreement, Loan Documents and Borrowing. Each of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries has the right, power and authority and has taken all necessary corporate and other action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in accordance with their respective terms. This Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of each Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries party thereto, and each such document constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of each Borrower or its Subsidiary party thereto, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws from time to time in effect which affect the enforcement of creditors’ rights in general and the availability of equitable remedies.

(d) Compliance of Agreement, Loan Documents and Borrowing with Laws, Etc. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries of the Loan Documents to which each such Person is a party, in accordance with their respective terms, the Extensions of Credit hereunder and the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not, by the passage of time, the giving of notice or otherwise, (i) require any Governmental Approval or violate any Applicable Law relating to the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under the articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which such Person is a party or by which any of its properties may be bound or any Governmental Approval relating to such Person, (iii) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Person other than Liens arising under the Loan Documents or (iv) require any consent or authorization of, filing with, or other act in respect of, an arbitrator or Governmental Authority and no consent of any other Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of this Agreement.

 

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(e) Compliance with Law; Governmental Approvals. Except in each case where the failure to so comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Borrowers and its Subsidiaries (i) has all Governmental Approvals required by any Applicable Law for it to conduct its business, each of which is in full force and effect, is final and not subject to review on appeal and is not the subject of any pending or, to the best of its knowledge, threatened attack by direct or collateral proceeding, (ii) is in compliance with each Governmental Approval applicable to it and in compliance with all other Applicable Laws relating to it or any of its respective properties and (iii) has timely filed all material reports, documents and other materials required to be filed by it under all Applicable Laws with any Governmental Authority and has retained all material records and documents required to be retained by it under Applicable Law.

(f) Tax Returns and Payments. Each of the Borrowers and its Subsidiaries has duly filed or caused to be filed all federal, state, local and other tax returns required by Applicable Law to be filed, and has paid, or made adequate provision for the payment of, all federal, state, local and other taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it and its property, income, profits and assets which are due and payable. Such returns accurately reflect in all material respects all liability for taxes of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the periods covered thereby. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.1(f), there is no ongoing audit or examination or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, other investigation by any Governmental Authority of the tax liability of any Borrower and its Subsidiaries. No Governmental Authority has asserted any Lien or other claim against any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof with respect to unpaid taxes which has not been discharged or resolved. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Borrowers and any of their Subsidiaries in respect of federal, state, local and other taxes for all Fiscal Years and portions thereof since the organization of each Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries are in the judgment of the Borrowers adequate, and such Borrower does not anticipate any additional taxes or assessments for any of such years.

(g) Intellectual Property Matters. Each of the Borrowers and its Subsidiaries owns or possesses rights to use all franchises, licenses, copyrights, copyright applications, patents, patent rights or licenses, patent applications, trademarks, trademark rights, service mark, service mark rights, trade names, trade name rights, copyrights and rights with respect to the foregoing which are required to conduct its business. No event has occurred which permits, or after notice or lapse of time or both would permit, the revocation or termination of any such rights, and neither the Borrowers nor any Subsidiaries thereof are liable to any Person for infringement under Applicable Law with respect to any such rights as a result of its business operations.

(h) Environmental Matters.

(i) To the best of each Borrower’s knowledge, the properties owned, leased or operated by any Borrower and its Subsidiaries now or in the past do not contain, and have not previously contained, any Hazardous Materials in amounts or concentrations which (A) constitute or constituted a violation of applicable Environmental Laws or (B) could give rise to liability under applicable Environmental Laws;

 

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(ii) To the best of each Borrower’s knowledge, each Borrower, each Subsidiary and such properties and all operations conducted in connection therewith are in compliance, and have been in compliance, with all applicable Environmental Laws, and there is no contamination at, under or about such properties or such operations which could interfere with the continued operation of such properties or impair the fair saleable value thereof;

(iii) No Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof has received any notice of violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, liability or potential liability regarding environmental matters, Hazardous Materials, or compliance with Environmental Laws, nor does any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof have knowledge or reason to believe that any such notice will be received or is being threatened;

(iv) To the best of each Borrower’s knowledge, Hazardous Materials have not been transported or disposed of to or from the properties owned, leased or operated by any Borrower and its Subsidiaries in violation of, or in a manner or to a location which could give rise to liability under, Environmental Laws, nor have any Hazardous Materials been generated, treated, stored or disposed of at, on or under any of such properties in violation of, or in a manner that could give rise to liability under, any applicable Environmental Laws;

(v) No judicial proceedings or governmental or administrative action is pending, or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened, under any Environmental Law to which any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof is or will be named as a potentially responsible party with respect to such properties or operations conducted in connection therewith, nor are there any consent decrees or other decrees, consent orders, administrative orders or other orders, or other administrative or judicial requirements outstanding under any Environmental Law with respect to any Borrower, any Subsidiary or such properties or such operations; and

(vi) To the best of each Borrower’s knowledge, there has been no release or threat of release of Hazardous Materials at or from properties owned, leased or operated by any Borrower or any Subsidiary, now or in the past, in violation of or in amounts or in a manner that could give rise to liability under Environmental Laws.

(i) ERISA.

(i) As of the Closing Date, no Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to, or has any obligation under, any Employee Benefit Plans other than those identified on Schedule 6.1(i);

(ii) Each Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate is in material compliance with all applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to all Employee Benefit Plans except for any required amendments for which the remedial amendment period as defined in Section

 

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401(b) of the Code has not yet expired and except where a failure to so comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Employee Benefit Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be so qualified, and each trust related to such plan has been determined to be exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code except for such plans that have not yet received determination letters but for which the remedial amendment period for submitting a determination letter has not yet expired. No liability has been incurred by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate which remains unsatisfied for any taxes or penalties with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or any Multiemployer Plan except for a liability that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

(iii) As of the Closing Date, no Pension Plan has been terminated, nor has any Pension Plan become subject to funding based benefit restrictions under Section 436 of the Code, nor has any funding waiver from the Internal Revenue Service been received or requested with respect to any Pension Plan, nor has any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate failed to make any contributions or to pay any amounts due and owing as required by Sections 412 or 430 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA prior to the due dates of such contributions under Sections 412 or 430 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, nor has there been any event requiring any disclosure under Section 4041(c)(3)(C) or 4063(a) of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan;

(iv) Except where the failure of any of the following representations to be correct in all material respects could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has: (A) engaged in a nonexempt prohibited transaction described in Section 406 of the ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, (B) incurred any liability to the PBGC which remains outstanding other than the payment of premiums and there are no premium payments which are due and unpaid, (C) failed to make a required contribution or payment to a Multiemployer Plan, or (D) failed to make a required installment or other required payment under Sections 412 or 430 of the Code;

(v) No Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; and

(vi) Except where the failure of any of the following representations to be correct in all material respects could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no proceeding, claim (other than a benefits claim in the ordinary course of business), lawsuit and/or investigation is existing or, to the best knowledge of any Borrower after due inquiry, threatened concerning or involving any (A) employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) currently maintained or contributed to by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, (B) Pension Plan or (C) Multiemployer Plan.

(j) Margin Stock. No Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof is engaged principally or as one of its activities in the business of extending credit for the purpose of “purchasing” or “carrying” any “margin stock” (as each such term is defined or used, directly or indirectly, in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System). No part

 

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of the proceeds of any of the Loans or Letters of Credit will be used for purchasing or carrying margin stock or for any purpose which violates, or which would be inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of such Board of Governors. Following the application of the proceeds of each Extension of Credit, not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the value of the assets (either of any of the Borrowers, individually, or of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis) subject to the provisions of Section 10.2 or Section 10.5 or subject to any restriction contained in any agreement or instrument between any of the Borrowers and any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender relating to Indebtedness in excess of $10,000,000 will be “margin stock”. If requested by any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) or the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender a statement to the foregoing effect in conformity with the requirements of FR Form G-3 or FR Form U 1 referred to in Regulation U.

(k) Government Regulation. No Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” (as each such term is defined or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) and no Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof is, or after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will be, subject to regulation under the Interstate Commerce Act, as amended, or any other Applicable Law that limits its ability to incur or consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

(l) Material Contracts. Schedule 6.1(l) sets forth a complete and accurate list of all Material Contracts of any Borrower and its Subsidiaries in effect as of the Closing Date not listed on any other Schedule hereto; other than as set forth in Schedule 6.1(l), each such Material Contract is, and after giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents will be, in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof. No Borrower or any Subsidiary (nor, to the knowledge of any Borrower, any other party thereto) is in breach of or in default under any Material Contract in any material respect.

(m) Employee Relations. Each Borrower and its Subsidiaries has a stable work force in place and is not, as of the Closing Date, party to any collective bargaining agreement nor has any labor union been recognized as the representative of its employees except as set forth on Schedule 6.1(m). No Borrower knows of any pending, threatened or contemplated strikes, work stoppage or other collective labor disputes involving its employees or those of its Subsidiaries.

(n) Burdensome Provisions. No Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof is a party to any indenture, agreement, lease or other instrument, or subject to any corporate or partnership restriction, Governmental Approval or Applicable Law which is so unusual or burdensome as in the foreseeable future could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrowers and their Subsidiaries do not presently anticipate that future expenditures needed to meet the provisions of any statutes, orders, rules or regulations of a Governmental Authority will be so burdensome as to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Subsidiary is party to any agreement or instrument or otherwise subject to any restriction or encumbrance that restricts or limits its ability to make dividend payments or other distributions in respect of its capital stock to its parent Borrower or any Subsidiary or to transfer any of its assets or properties to its parent Borrower or any other Subsidiary in each case other than existing under or by reason of the Loan Documents or Applicable Law.

 

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(o) Financial Statements. The audited and unaudited financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(d)(i), are complete and correct and fairly present on a Consolidated basis the assets, liabilities and financial position of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as at such dates, and the results of the operations and changes of financial position for the periods then ended (other than customary year-end adjustments for unaudited financial statements). All such financial statements, including the related schedules and notes thereto, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Borrowers and their Subsidiaries have no Debt, obligation or other unusual forward or long-term commitment which is not fairly reflected in the foregoing financial statements or in the notes thereto.

(p) No Material Adverse Change. Since February 1, 2014, there has been no material adverse change in the properties, business, operations, prospects, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries and no event has occurred or condition arisen that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(q) Solvency. As of the Closing Date and after giving effect to each Extension of Credit made hereunder, each of (i) the Company, individually, and (ii) the other Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, considered with the Company as a whole, will be Solvent.

(r) Titles to Properties. Each Borrower and its Subsidiaries has such title to the real property owned or leased by it as is necessary or desirable to the conduct of its business and valid and legal title to all of its personal property and assets, including, but not limited to, those reflected on the balance sheets of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(o), except those which have been disposed of by such Borrower or its Subsidiaries subsequent to such date which dispositions have been in the ordinary course of business, or as otherwise expressly permitted hereunder.

(s) Liens. None of the properties and assets of any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof is subject to any Lien, except Liens permitted pursuant to Section 10.2. No financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any state which names any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective trade names or divisions as debtor and which has not been terminated, has been filed in any state or other jurisdiction and no Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof has signed any such financing statement or any security agreement authorizing any secured party thereunder to file any such financing statement, except to perfect those Liens permitted by Section 10.2 hereof.

(t) Debt and Guaranty Obligations. Schedule 6.1(t) is a complete and correct listing of all Debt and Guaranty Obligations of each Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date in excess of $5,000,000. Each Borrower and its Subsidiaries have performed and are in compliance with all of the terms of such Debt and Guaranty Obligations and all instruments and agreements relating thereto, and no default or event of default, or event or condition which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such a default or event of default on the part of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries exists with respect to any such Debt or Guaranty Obligation.

 

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(u) Litigation. Except for matters existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 6.1(u), there are no actions, suits or proceedings pending nor, to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened against or in any other way relating adversely to or affecting any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective properties in any court or before any arbitrator of any kind or before or by any Governmental Authority except for any such actions, suits or proceedings which individually and in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(v) Absence of Defaults. No event has occurred or is continuing which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, or which constitutes, or which with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute, a default or event of default by any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof under any Material Contract or judgment, decree or order to which such Borrower or its Subsidiaries is a party or by which such Borrower or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties may be bound or which would require such Borrower or its Subsidiaries to make any payment thereunder prior to the scheduled maturity date therefor.

(w) Senior Debt Status. The Obligations of the Borrowers and each of their Subsidiaries under this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents ranks and shall continue to rank at least senior in priority of payment to all Subordinated Debt of each such Person and is designated as “Senior Indebtedness” under all instruments and documents, now or in the future, relating to all Subordinated Debt and all senior unsecured Debt of such Person.

(x) Accuracy and Completeness of Information. All written information, reports and other papers and data produced by or on behalf of each Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (other than financial projections, which shall be subject to the standard set forth in Section 7.1(c)) and furnished to the Lenders were, at the time the same were so furnished, complete and correct in all material respects to the extent necessary to give the recipient a true and accurate knowledge of the subject matter. No document furnished or written statement made to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders by any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof in connection with the negotiation, preparation or execution of this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents contains or will contain any untrue statement of a fact material to the creditworthiness of each Borrower or its Subsidiaries or omits or will omit to state a fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not misleading. No Borrower is aware of any facts which it has not disclosed in writing to the Administrative Agent having a Material Adverse Effect, or insofar as such Borrower can now foresee, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(y) Designated Persons; Sanctions; Patriot Act.

(i) No Borrower or its Subsidiaries, and to each Borrower’s knowledge, none of their respective directors, officers or employees (i) is a Designated Person, (ii) is a Person that is owned or controlled by a Designated Person or (iii) is located, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country.

(ii) No Borrower or its Subsidiaries, and to each Borrower’s knowledge, none of their respective directors, officers or employees is now, directly or indirectly engaged in any material dealings or transactions (i) with any Designated Person, (ii) in any Sanctioned Country or (iii) otherwise in violation of Sanctions.

 

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(iii) Each Borrower and its Subsidiaries, in each case that is subject to the Patriot Act, is in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of the Patriot Act that are applicable to it.

Section 6.2 Survival of Representations and Warranties, Etc. All representations and warranties set forth in this Article VI and all representations and warranties contained in any certificate, or any of the Loan Documents (including, but not limited to, any such representation or warranty made in or in connection with any amendment thereto) shall constitute representations and warranties made under this Agreement. All representations and warranties made under this Agreement shall be made or deemed to be made at and as of the Closing Date (except those that are expressly made as of a specific date), shall survive the Closing Date and shall not be waived by the execution and delivery of this Agreement, any investigation made by or on behalf of the Lenders or any borrowing hereunder.

ARTICLE VII

FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND NOTICES

Until all the Obligations have been paid and satisfied in full and the Revolving Credit Commitments terminated, unless consent has been obtained in the manner set forth in Section 13.10 hereof, the Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent’s Office at the address set forth in Section 13.1 and to the Lenders at their respective addresses as set forth in the Register and/or provided to the Administrative Agent from time to time, or such other office as may be designated by the Administrative Agent and Lenders from time to time:

Section 7.1 Financial Statements and Projections.

(a) Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as practicable, and in any event within sixty (60) days after the end of each of the first three (3) fiscal quarters of each Fiscal Year, an unaudited Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal quarter and an unaudited Consolidated statement of income for the fiscal quarter then ended, together with statements of retained earnings and cash flows for the portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, including the notes thereto, all in reasonable detail setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures as of the end of and for the corresponding period in the preceding Fiscal Year and prepared by the Company in accordance with GAAP and, if applicable, containing disclosure of the effect on the financial position or results of operations of any change in the application of accounting principles and practices during the period, and certified by the chief financial officer of the Company to present fairly in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis as of their respective dates and the results of operations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for the respective periods then ended, subject to normal year end adjustments.

(b) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as practicable, and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, an audited Consolidated balance sheet

 

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of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as of the close of such Fiscal Year and audited Consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then ended, including the notes thereto, all in reasonable detail setting forth in comparative form the corresponding figures as of the end of and for the preceding Fiscal Year and prepared in accordance with GAAP and, if applicable, containing disclosure of the effect on the financial position or results of operations of any change in the application of accounting principles and practices during the year, to be accompanied by a report thereon by an independent certified public accounting firm, reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, that is not qualified with respect to scope limitations imposed by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or with respect to accounting principles followed by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not in accordance with GAAP.

(c) Annual Business Plan and Financial Projections. As soon as practicable, and in any event prior to the end of the first fiscal quarter of each Fiscal Year, a business plan of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year, such plan to be prepared in accordance with GAAP and to include, on a quarterly basis, the following: a quarterly operating and capital budget, a projected income statement, statement of cash flows and balance sheet and a report containing management’s discussion and analysis of such projections, accompanied by a certificate from the chief financial officer of the Company to the effect that, to the best of such officer’s knowledge, such projections are good faith estimates (utilizing reasonable assumptions) of the financial condition and operations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries for such four (4) quarter period.

Section 7.2 Officer’s Compliance Certificate. At each time financial statements are delivered pursuant to Sections 7.1(a) or (b) and at such other times as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request, a certificate of the chief financial officer or the treasurer of the Company in the form of Exhibit F attached hereto (an “Officer’s Compliance Certificate”).

Section 7.3 Accountants’ Certificate. At each time financial statements are delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(b), a certificate of the independent public accountants certifying such financial statements addressed to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders stating that in making the examination necessary for the certification of such financial statements, they obtained no knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or, if such is not the case, specifying such Default or Event of Default and its nature and period of existence.

Section 7.4 Other Reports. Such information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request.

Section 7.5 Notice of Litigation and Other Matters. Prompt (but in no event later than ten (10) days after an officer of any Borrower obtains knowledge thereof) telephonic and written notice of:

(a) the commencement of all proceedings and investigations by or before any Governmental Authority and all actions and proceedings in any court or before any arbitrator against or involving any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective properties, assets or businesses which involves an amount in excess of $15,000,000 individually or $30,000,000 in the aggregate;

 

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(b) any notice of any violation received by any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof from any Governmental Authority including, without limitation, any notice of violation of Environmental Laws involving an amount in excess of $15,000,000 individually or in the aggregate;

(c) any labor controversy that has resulted in, or threatens to result in, a strike or other work action against any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof at any material business location of any Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(d) any attachment, judgment, lien, levy or order exceeding $5,000,000 that may be assessed against any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof;

(e) (i) any Default or Event of Default, (ii) the occurrence or existence of any event or circumstance that foreseeably will become a Default or Event of Default or (iii) any event which constitutes or which with the passage of time or giving of notice or both would constitute a default or event of default under any Material Contract to which any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective properties may be bound if such default or event of default shall have a Material Adverse Effect on any Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(f) (i) any unfavorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the qualification of an Employee Benefit Plan under Section 401(a) of the Code (along with a copy thereof), (ii) all notices received by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the PBGC’s intent to terminate any Pension Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer any Pension Plan, (iii) all notices received by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor concerning the imposition or amount of withdrawal liability pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA and (iv) any Borrower obtaining knowledge or reason to know that any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has filed or intends to file a notice of intent to terminate any Pension Plan under a distress termination within the meaning of Section 4041(c) of ERISA; and

(g) any event which makes any of the representations set forth in Section 6.1 inaccurate in any material respect.

Section 7.6 Accuracy of Information. All written information, reports, statements and other papers and data furnished by or on behalf of any Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender whether pursuant to this Article VII or any other provision of this Agreement shall be, at the time the same is so furnished, in compliance with the representations and warranties set forth in Section 6.1(x).

 

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ARTICLE VIII

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

Until all of the Obligations have been paid and satisfied in full and the Revolving Credit Commitments terminated, unless consent has been obtained in the manner provided for in Section 13.10, each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to:

Section 8.1 Preservation of Corporate Existence and Related Matters. Except as permitted by Section 10.4, preserve and maintain its separate corporate existence and all rights, franchises, licenses and privileges necessary to the conduct of its business, and qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation and authorized to do business in each jurisdiction where the nature and scope of its activities require it to so qualify under Applicable Law.

Section 8.2 Maintenance of Property. Protect and preserve all properties useful in and material to its business, including copyrights, patents, trade names, service marks and trademarks; maintain in good working order and condition all buildings, equipment and other tangible real and personal property; and from time to time make or cause to be made all renewals, replacements and additions to such property necessary for the conduct of its business, so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be conducted in a commercially reasonable matter.

Section 8.3 Insurance. Maintain insurance with financially sound and reputable insurance companies against such risks and in such amounts as are customarily maintained by similar businesses and as may be required by Applicable Law, and on the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter deliver to the Administrative Agent upon its request a detailed list of the insurance then in effect, stating the names of the insurance companies, the amounts and rates of the insurance, the dates of the expiration thereof and the properties and risks covered thereby. As of the Closing Date, the Borrowers maintain the insurance described on Schedule 8.3.

Section 8.4 Accounting Methods and Financial Records. Maintain a system of accounting, and keep such books, records and accounts (which shall be true and complete in all material respects) as may be required or as may be necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and in compliance with the regulations of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it or any of its properties.

Section 8.5 Payment and Performance of Obligations. Pay and perform all Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and pay or perform (a) all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges that may be levied or assessed upon it or any of its property, and (b) all other indebtedness, obligations and liabilities in accordance with customary trade practices; provided, that any Borrower or such Subsidiary may contest any item described in clauses (a) or (b) of this Section 8.5 in good faith so long as adequate reserves are maintained with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.

Section 8.6 Compliance With Laws and Approvals. Observe and remain in compliance in all material respects with all Applicable Laws and maintain in full force and effect all Governmental Approvals, in each case applicable to the conduct of its business.

 

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Section 8.7 Environmental Laws. In addition to and without limiting the generality of Section 8.6, (a) comply with, and ensure such compliance in all material respects by all tenants and subtenants with all applicable Environmental Laws and obtain and comply with and maintain, and ensure that all tenants and subtenants, if any, obtain and comply with and maintain, any and all licenses, approvals, notifications, registrations or permits required by applicable Environmental Laws, (b) conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and testing, and all remedial, removal and other actions required under Environmental Laws, and promptly comply with all lawful orders and directives of any Governmental Authority regarding Environmental Laws, unless such lawful orders and directives are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves are maintained to the extent required by GAAP, and (c) defend, indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from and against any claims, demands, penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs and expenses of whatever kind or nature known or unknown, contingent or otherwise, arising out of, or in any way relating to the presence of Hazardous Materials, or the violation of, noncompliance with or liability under any Environmental Laws applicable to the operations of any Borrower or any such Subsidiary, or any orders, requirements or demands of Governmental Authorities related thereto, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s and consultant’s fees, investigation and laboratory fees, response costs, court costs and litigation expenses, except to the extent that any of the foregoing directly result from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party seeking indemnification therefor as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment.

Section 8.8 Compliance with ERISA. In addition to and without limiting the generality of Section 8.6, (a) except where the failure to so comply could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) comply with all material applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to all Employee Benefit Plans, (ii) not take any action or fail to take action the result of which could be a liability to the PBGC or to a Multiemployer Plan, (iii) not participate in any prohibited transaction that could result in any civil penalty under ERISA or tax under the Code and (iv) operate each Employee Benefit Plan in such a manner that will not incur any tax liability under Section 4980B of the Code or any liability to any qualified beneficiary as defined in Section 4980B of the Code and (b) furnish to the Administrative Agent upon the Administrative Agent’s request such additional information about any Employee Benefit Plan as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.

Section 8.9 Compliance With Agreements. Comply in all material respects with each term, condition and provision of all material leases, agreements and other instruments entered into in the conduct of its business including, without limitation, any Material Contract.

Section 8.10 Visits and Inspections. Permit representatives of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, from time to time, during normal business hours, to visit and inspect its properties; inspect, audit and make extracts from its books, records and files, including, but not limited to, management letters prepared by independent accountants; and discuss with its principal officers, and its independent accountants, its business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects.

 

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Section 8.11 Additional Subsidiaries. Notify the Administrative Agent within ten (10) days of the creation or acquisition of any Subsidiary of any Borrower, which is created or acquired after the Closing Date and which engages in any business operations or owns assets with a fair market value in excess of $5,000,000, and promptly thereafter (and in any event within thirty (30) days following the creation or acquisition of such Subsidiary) cause to be executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent (a) a duly executed Joinder Agreement and (b) favorable legal opinions addressed to the Administrative Agent and Lenders in form and substance satisfactory thereto with respect to such Joinder Agreement and such other documents and closing certificates as may be requested by the Administrative Agent, including all documentation and other information requested by the Administrative Agent that is required to satisfy applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation the Patriot Act.

Section 8.12 Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loans (i) to refinance the Existing Credit Agreement and (ii) for working capital and general corporate purposes of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, including capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business, and permitted acquisitions.

Section 8.13 Additional Borrowers. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.11 to the contrary, cause any Subsidiary which becomes an obligor or guarantor with respect to the Debt under the Senior Notes to become a Borrower under this Agreement and to deliver to the Administrative Agent the items described in clauses (a) and (b) of Section 8.11.

Section 8.14 Anti-Corruption Laws; OFAC.

(a) Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with laws applicable to transactions of or with any Designated Person or in any Sanctioned Country. Each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, terminate, after obtaining knowledge thereof no later than required by applicable law, any funding financing or facilitating by such Borrower or its Subsidiaries of any activities, business or transaction of or with any Designated Person or in any Sanctioned Country or otherwise in violation of Sanctions, as such Sanctions Lists or Sanctions are in effect from time to time.

(b) No part of the proceeds of any Loans or Letters of Credit will be used directly or, to the knowledge of the Borrowers, indirectly (i) for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the Anti-Corruption Laws or (ii) (A) to fund, or to lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any other Person to fund, any activities or business of or with any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding or issuance, is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions, or (B) in any other manner that would result in a violation of Sanctions by any Person party hereto.

Section 8.15 Further Assurances. Make, execute and deliver all such additional and further acts, things, deeds and instruments as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably require to document and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to vest completely in and insure the Administrative Agent and the Lenders their respective rights under this Agreement, the Notes, the Letters of Credit and the other Loan Documents.

 

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ARTICLE IX

FINANCIAL COVENANTS

Until all of the Obligations have been paid and satisfied in full and the Revolving Credit Commitments terminated, unless consent has been obtained in the manner set forth in Section 13.10 hereof, the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis will not:

Section 9.1 Leverage Ratio. As of any fiscal quarter end, permit the ratio of (a) Adjusted Debt on such date to (b) EBITDAR for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date (the “Leverage Ratio”) to be greater than 4.0 to 1.0.

Section 9.2 Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. As of the end of any fiscal quarter, permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be less than 1.75 to 1.0.

ARTICLE X

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Until all of the Obligations have been paid and satisfied in full and the Revolving Credit Commitments terminated, unless consent has been obtained in the manner set forth in Section 13.10, each of the Borrowers has not and will not and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:

Section 10.1 Limitations on Debt. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Debt or Additional Debt except:

(a) the Obligations (excluding Hedging Obligations permitted pursuant to Section 10.1(b));

(b) Debt incurred in connection with a Hedging Agreement which is non-speculative and entered into in the ordinary course of a Borrower’s business;

(c) Debt existing on the Closing Date and not otherwise permitted under this Section 10.1, as set forth on Schedule 6.1(t), and the renewal, refinancing, extension and replacement thereof (but not the increase in the aggregate principal amount); provided that with respect to each series of the Senior Notes, (i) the respective aggregate principal amount of such series shall not be increased, (ii) the maturity date of any such renewal, refinancing, extension or replacement of such series shall not be prior to or shorter than the existing maturity date of such series and (iii) any such renewal, refinancing, extension or replacement of such series shall be on terms no more restrictive to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries than the terms of such series.

(d) Debt of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries incurred in connection with Capitalized Leases in an aggregate amount not to exceed $150,000,000 on any date of determination;

 

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(e) purchase money Debt of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $75,000,000 on any date of determination;

(f) Guaranty Obligations in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders;

(g) Guaranty Obligations with respect to Debt permitted pursuant to subsections (a) through (e) of this Section 10.1;

(h) Guaranty Obligations of the Company consisting of guarantees of operating leases for store locations entered into by any other Borrower in the ordinary course of its business;

(i) Debt with respect to trade letter of credit facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed $150,000,000 on any date of determination (which amount shall be inclusive of the amount set forth on Item 1 of Schedule 6.1(t);

(j) Guaranty Obligations with respect to Debt permitted pursuant to subsection (i) of this Section 10.1;

(k) Guaranty Obligations arising from agreements entered into by any of the Borrowers in the ordinary course of business providing for indemnification or similar obligations in the event of the non-performance by the respective Borrower of any obligation under any such agreement;

(l) additional unsecured Debt of the Borrowers (other than the Company) and their Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $150,000,000 on any date of determination; and

(m) additional unsecured Debt of the Company so long as, after giving effect to such additional Debt, the Borrowers are in pro forma compliance with the covenants contained in Article IX (such pro forma compliance to be measured using the financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) and (b) (it being agreed that no prior notices or deliveries to any party will be required as a condition to any such payment)), calculated as if such Debt existed on the immediately preceding measuring date.

provided, that no agreement or instrument with respect to Debt permitted to be incurred by this Section 10.1 shall restrict, limit or otherwise encumber (by covenant or otherwise) the ability of any Subsidiary of any Borrower to make any payment to such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (in the form of dividends, intercompany advances or otherwise) for the purpose of enabling such Borrower to pay the Obligations.

Section 10.2 Limitations on Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist, any Lien on or with respect to any of its assets or properties (including, without limitation, shares of capital stock or other ownership interests), real or personal, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except:

 

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(a) Liens for taxes, assessments and other governmental charges or levies (excluding any Lien imposed pursuant to any of the provisions of ERISA or Environmental Laws) not yet due or as to which the period of grace (not to exceed thirty (30) days), if any, related thereto has not expired or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves are maintained to the extent required by GAAP;

(b) the claims of materialmen, contractors, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, processors or landlords for labor, materials, supplies or rentals incurred in the ordinary course of business, (i) which are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or (ii) which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;

(c) Liens consisting of deposits or pledges made in the ordinary course of business in connection with, or to secure payment of, obligations under workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or similar legislation;

(d) Liens constituting encumbrances in the nature of zoning restrictions, easements and rights or restrictions of record on the use of real property, which in the aggregate are not substantial in amount and which do not, in any case, detract from the value of such property or impair the use thereof in the ordinary conduct of business;

(e) Liens of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (including Liens of the Administrative Agent in cash collateral for the benefit of any Issuing Lender or the Swingline Lender to secure obligations of Defaulting Lenders);

(f) Liens not otherwise permitted by this Section 10.2 and in existence on the Closing Date and described on Schedule 10.2; and

(g) Liens securing Debt permitted under Sections 10.1(d) and (e); provided that (i) such Liens shall be created substantially simultaneously with the acquisition or lease of the related asset, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other than the property financed by such Debt, (iii) the amount of Debt secured thereby is not increased and (iv) the principal amount of Debt secured by any such Lien shall at no time exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the original purchase price or lease payment amount of such property at the time it was acquired.

Section 10.3 Limitations on Loans, Advances, Investments and Acquisitions. Purchase, own, invest in or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any capital stock, interests in any partnership or joint venture (including, without limitation, the creation or capitalization of any Subsidiary), evidence of Debt or other obligation or security, substantially all or a portion of the business or assets of any other Person or any other investment or interest whatsoever in any other Person, or make or permit to exist, directly or indirectly, any loans, advances or extensions of credit to, or any investment in cash or by delivery of property in, any Person except:

(a) investments in (i) Subsidiaries existing on the Closing Date, (ii) in Subsidiaries formed or acquired after the Closing Date so long as the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries comply with the applicable provisions of Section 8.11 and the other terms and provisions of this Agreement and (iii) the other loans, advances and investments described on Schedule 10.3 existing on the Closing Date;

 

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(b) investments in cash or cash equivalents made in accordance with the Company’s written investment policy as modified and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors from time to time;

(c) investments in the form of the acquisition of all or substantially all of the business or a line of business (whether by the acquisition of capital stock, assets or any combination thereof) of any other Person, if (i) no Default or Event of Default then exists or would be created thereby, (ii) the Borrowers have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer (on behalf of the Borrowers) demonstrating pro forma compliance with the covenants contained in Article IX both before and after giving effect to such acquisition, except that no certificate shall be required to be delivered for any acquisition involving aggregate consideration (including cash and non-cash consideration) of less than $20,000,000;

(d) Hedging Agreements permitted pursuant to Section 10.1;

(e) purchases of assets in the ordinary course of business;

(f) investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary to prevent loss; and

(g) other investments not exceeding $50,000,000 in the aggregate in any Fiscal Year of the Borrowers.

Section 10.4 Limitations on Mergers and Liquidation. Merge, consolidate or enter into any similar combination with any other Person or liquidate, wind-up or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution) except:

(a) any Subsidiary of any Borrower may merge with the Company, such Borrower or any other Subsidiary of such Borrower; provided that in any merger involving the Company or a Borrower, the Company or such Borrower shall be the surviving entity;

(b) any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of any Borrower may merge into the Person such Wholly Owned Subsidiary was formed to acquire in connection with an acquisition permitted by Section 10.3(c); and

(c) any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of any Borrower may wind-up into such Borrower or any other Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such Borrower.

Section 10.5 Limitations on Sale of Assets. Convey, sell, lease, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its property, business or assets (including, without limitation, the sale of any receivables and leasehold interests and any sale-leaseback or similar transaction), whether now owned or hereafter acquired except:

 

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(a) the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

(b) the sale of obsolete assets no longer used or usable in the business of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

(c) the transfer of assets to any Borrower or any Wholly Owned Subsidiary of any Borrower pursuant to Section 10.4(c);

(d) the sale or discount without recourse of accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the compromise or collection thereof;

(e) the disposition of any Hedging Agreement;

(f) sale and leaseback transactions with respect to (i) retail store locations, distribution centers and other fixed assets acquired or constructed by the Borrowers in the ordinary course of the Borrowers’ business on or before the date of this Agreement, provided that the aggregate amount of such sale and lease back transactions do not exceed $50,000,000 during the term of this Agreement and (ii) retail store locations, distribution centers and other fixed assets acquired or constructed by the Borrowers after the Closing Date in the ordinary course of the Borrowers’ business; and

(g) any other sale of any asset not otherwise permitted by this Section 10.5; provided that the aggregate amount of all sales permitted by this paragraph (g) does not exceed five percent (5%) of such Borrower’s Net Worth in any Fiscal Year.

Section 10.6 Limitations on Dividends and Distributions. Declare or pay any dividends upon any of its capital stock or any other ownership interests; purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, any shares of its capital stock or other ownership interests, or make any distribution of cash, property or assets among the holders of shares of its capital stock or other ownership interests, or make any change in its capital structure; provided that:

(a) any Borrower or any Subsidiary may pay dividends in shares of its own capital stock;

(b) any Subsidiary may pay cash dividends to a Borrower;

(c) any Borrower or any Subsidiary may pay any other dividends or distributions not otherwise permitted by this Section 10.6; provided that (i) the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries are in pro forma compliance with the covenants contained in Article IX (such pro forma compliance to be measured using the financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) and (b) (it being agreed that no prior notices or deliveries to any party will be required as a condition to any such payment)) and (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing both before and after giving effect to the payment such dividends and distributions under this paragraph (c); and

(d) the Company may purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, shares of its capital stock (any such purchase, redemption, retirement or acquisition

 

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under this paragraph (d), a “Restricted Payment”); provided that, with respect to any Restricted Payment, (i) the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries are in pro forma compliance with the covenants contained in Article IX (such pro forma compliance to be measured using the financial statements most recently delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(a) and (b) (it being agreed that no prior notices or deliveries to any party will be required as a condition to any such Restricted Payment)) and (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing both before and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment.

Section 10.7 Limitations on Exchange and Issuance of Capital Stock. Issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any class or series of capital stock that, by its terms or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or exchangeable, is, or upon the happening of an event or passage of time would be, (a) convertible or exchangeable into Debt or (b) required to be redeemed or repurchased, including at the option of the holder, in whole or in part, or has, or upon the happening of an event or passage of time would have, a redemption or similar payment due.

Section 10.8 Transactions with Affiliates. Except for transactions permitted by Sections 10.3, 10.6, 10.7, and loans and advances not exceeding $10,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding to officers and employees of Borrowers for the purchase of a residence in connection with the relocation of such officers and employees and those transactions existing on the Closing Date and identified on Schedule 10.8 directly or indirectly (a) make any loan or advance to, or purchase or assume any note or other obligation to or from, any of its officers, directors, shareholders or other Affiliates, or to or from any member of the immediate family of any of its officers, directors, shareholders or other Affiliates, or subcontract any operations to any of its Affiliates or (b) enter into, or be a party to, any other transaction not described in clause (a) above with any of its Affiliates, except pursuant to the reasonable requirements of its business and upon fair and reasonable terms that are fully disclosed to and approved in writing by the Required Lenders prior to the consummation thereof and are no less favorable to it than it would obtain in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person not its Affiliate.

Section 10.9 Certain Accounting Changes; Organizational Documents. (a) Change their Fiscal Year end, or, except as permitted pursuant to Section 13.8, make any change in their accounting treatment and reporting practices except as required or permitted by GAAP or (b) amend, modify or change its articles of incorporation (or corporate charter or other similar organizational documents) or amend, modify or change its bylaws (or other similar documents) in any manner adverse in any respect to the rights or interests of the Lenders.

Section 10.10 Amendments; Payments and Prepayments of Debt. Amend or modify (or permit the modification or amendment of) any of the terms or provisions of any Subordinated Debt, or cancel or forgive, make (or give any notice with respect thereto) any voluntary, optional or other non-scheduled payment, prepayment, redemption, acquisition for value (including without limitation, by way of depositing money or securities with the trustee with respect thereto before due for the purpose of paying when due) any Subordinated Debt.

 

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Section 10.11 Restrictive Agreements.

(a) Enter into any Debt which contains (i) any covenants more restrictive than the provisions of Articles VIII, IX and X hereof, or (ii) any negative pledge or other restriction, limitation or otherwise encumbers its ability to incur Liens on or with respect to any of its assets or properties other than the assets or properties securing such Debt; except, with respect to this clause (ii), the Senior Notes.

(b) Enter into or permit to exist any agreement which impairs or limits the ability of any Subsidiary of a Borrower to pay dividends to such Borrower.

Section 10.12 Nature of Business. Substantively alter the character or conduct of the business conducted by any Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date.

ARTICLE XI

DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

Section 11.1 Events of Default. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default, whatever the reason for such event and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority or otherwise:

(a) Default in Payment of Principal of Loans and Reimbursement Obligations. The Borrowers shall default in any payment of principal of any Loan, Note or Reimbursement Obligation when and as due (whether at maturity, by reason of acceleration or otherwise).

(b) Other Payment Default. The Borrowers shall default in the payment when and as due (whether at maturity, by reason of acceleration or otherwise) of interest on any Loan, Note or Reimbursement Obligation or (except as provided in clause (a) above) the payment of any other Obligation (other than any Obligation under any Hedging Agreement or Cash Management Agreement) for more than three Business Days after the same becomes due and payable.

(c) Misrepresentation. Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries under this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any amendment hereto or thereto, shall at any time prove to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made.

(d) Default in Performance of Certain Covenants. The Borrowers shall default in the performance or observance of any covenant or agreement contained in Sections 7.1, 7.2, or 7.5(e)(i) or Articles IX or X of this Agreement.

(e) Default in Performance of Other Covenants and Conditions. The Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries shall default in the performance or observance of any term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than as specifically provided for otherwise in this Section 11.1) or any other Loan Document (other than as specifically provided for otherwise in this Section 11.1) and such default shall continue for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice thereof has been given to the Company by the Administrative Agent.

 

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(f) Hedging Agreement; Cash Management Agreements. The Borrowers shall default in the performance or observance of any terms, covenant, condition or agreement (after giving effect to any applicable grace or cure period) under any Hedging Agreement representing an aggregate liability to the Borrowers in excess of $5,000,000 and such default causes the termination of such Hedging Agreement or permits any counterparty to such Hedging Agreement to terminate any such Hedging Agreement; or the Borrowers shall default in the performance or observance of any terms, covenant, condition or agreement (after giving effect to any applicable grace or cure period) under any Cash Management Agreement representing an aggregate liability to the Borrowers in excess of $5,000,000.

(g) Debt Cross-Default. The Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries shall (i) default in the payment of any Debt (other than the Loans or any Reimbursement Obligation) the aggregate outstanding amount of which Debt is in excess of the lesser of (A) $25,000,000 or (B) the lowest cross default threshold amount set forth in any of the Senior Notes, in each case beyond the period of grace if any, provided in the instrument or agreement under which such Debt was created, or (ii) default in the observance or performance of any other agreement or condition relating to any Debt (other than the Loans or any Reimbursement Obligation) the aggregate outstanding amount of which Debt is in excess of the lesser of (A) $25,000,000 or (B) the lowest cross default threshold amount set forth in any of the Senior Notes or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto or any other event shall occur or condition exist, the effect of which default or other event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Debt (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, any such Debt to become due prior to its stated maturity (any applicable grace period having expired).

(h) Other Cross-Defaults. The occurrence of any default or event of default under any of the instruments and documents executed in connection with the Senior Notes.

(i) Change in Control. Any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) other than members of the Belk family (and any trusts of which such family members are beneficiaries and any other Persons of which such family members is the beneficial equityholder) shall obtain ownership or control in one or more series of transactions of more than fifty-one percent (51%) of the common stock or fifty-one percent (51%) of the voting power of the Company entitled to vote in the election of members of the board of directors of the Company or there shall have occurred under any indenture or other instrument evidencing any Debt in excess of $1,000,000 any “change in control” (as defined in such indenture or other evidence of Debt) obligating any Borrower to repurchase, redeem or repay all or any part of the Debt or capital stock provided for therein (any such event, a “Change in Control”).

(j) Voluntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. Any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof shall (i) commence a voluntary case under any Debtor Relief Law (as now or hereafter in effect), (ii) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any Debtor Relief Law, (iii) consent to or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner any petition filed against it in an involuntary

 

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case under any Debtor Relief Law, (iv) apply for or consent to, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of itself or of a substantial part of its property, domestic or foreign, (v) admit in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become due, (vi) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (vii) take any corporate action for the purpose of authorizing any of the foregoing.

(k) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. A case or other proceeding shall be commenced against any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking (i) relief under any Debtor Relief Law (as now or hereafter in effect), or (ii) the appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator or the like for any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof or for all or any substantial part of their respective assets, domestic or foreign, and such case or proceeding shall continue without dismissal or stay for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days, or an order granting the relief requested in such case or proceeding (including, but not limited to, an order for relief under any Debtor Relief Law) shall be entered.

(l) Failure of Agreements. Any provision of this Agreement or any provision of any other Loan Document shall for any reason cease to be valid and binding on any Borrower or Subsidiary party thereto or any such Person shall so state in writing, other than in accordance with the express terms hereof or thereof.

(m) ERISA Events. The occurrence of any of the following events: (i) any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to make full payment when due of all amounts which, under the provisions of any Pension Plan or Sections 412 or 430 of the Code, any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is required to pay as contributions thereto and are in excess of $25,000,000, (ii) a Termination Event or (iii) any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate as employers under one or more Multiemployer Plans makes a complete or partial withdrawal from any such Multiemployer Plan and the plan sponsor of such Multiemployer Plans notifies such withdrawing employer that such employer has incurred a withdrawal liability requiring payments in an amount exceeding $5,000,000.

(n) Judgment. A judgment or order for the payment of money which causes the aggregate amount of all such judgments to exceed $10,000,000 in excess of applicable insurance coverage as to which the applicable insurers do not deny coverage in any Fiscal Year shall be entered against any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by any court and such judgment or order shall continue without discharge or stay for a period of thirty (30) days.

(o) Environmental. Any one or more Environmental Claims shall have been asserted against any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; the Borrowers or any Subsidiaries would be reasonable likely to incur liability as a result thereof; and such liability would be reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 11.2 Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, with the consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, or upon the request of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall, by notice to the Company:

 

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(a) Acceleration; Termination of Facilities. Declare the principal of and interest on the Loans, the Notes and the Reimbursement Obligations at the time outstanding, and all other amounts owed to the Lenders and to the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all L/C Obligations, whether or not the beneficiaries of the then outstanding Letters of Credit shall have presented or shall be entitled to present the documents required thereunder) and all other Obligations (other than Hedging Obligations and amounts owing under any Cash Management Agreement), to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived, anything in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, and terminate the Credit Facility and any right of the Borrowers to request borrowings or Letters of Credit thereunder; provided, that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 11.1(j) or (k), the Credit Facility shall be automatically terminated and all Obligations (other than Hedging Obligations and amounts owing under any Cash Management Agreement) shall automatically become due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are expressly waived, anything in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding.

(b) Letters of Credit. With respect to all Letters of Credit with respect to which presentment for honor shall not have occurred at the time of an acceleration pursuant to Section 11.2(a), the Borrowers shall at such time deposit in the Cash Collateral Account an amount equal to the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired amount of such Letters of Credit. Amounts held in the Cash Collateral Account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to the payment of drafts drawn under the Letters of Credit and the unused portion thereof after all such Letters of Credit shall have expired or shall have been fully drawn upon, if any, shall be applied to repay the other Obligations on a pro rata basis. After all such Letters of Credit shall expire or shall have been fully drawn upon, the Reimbursement Obligation shall have been satisfied with respect to all Letters of Credit and all other Obligations shall have been paid in full, the balance, if any, in the Cash Collateral Account shall be returned to the Company.

(c) Rights of Collection. Exercise on behalf of the Lenders all of its other rights and remedies under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and Applicable Law, in order to satisfy all of the Borrowers’ Obligations.

Section 11.3 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Non-Waiver; etc. The enumeration of the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders set forth in this Agreement is not intended to be exhaustive and the exercise by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of any right or remedy shall not preclude the exercise of any other rights or remedies, all of which shall be cumulative, and shall be in addition to any other right or remedy given hereunder or under the other Loan Documents or that may now or hereafter exist at law or in equity or by suit or otherwise. No delay or failure to take action on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or privilege shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege or shall be construed to be a waiver of any Event of Default. No course of dealing between any Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders or their respective agents or employees shall be effective to change, modify or discharge any provision of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or to constitute a waiver of any Event of Default.

 

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ARTICLE XII

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Section 12.1 Appointment. Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Wells Fargo as Administrative Agent of such Lender under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents for the term hereof and each such Lender irrevocably authorizes Wells Fargo as Administrative Agent for such Lender, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of this Agreement and such other Loan Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Lenders, and the Borrowers shall not have rights as a third-party beneficiary of any of such provisions. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative 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 as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties. Any reference to the Administrative Agent in this Article XII shall be deemed to refer to the Administrative Agent solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent and not in its capacity as a Lender.

Section 12.2 Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may execute any of its respective duties under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by or through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by the Administrative Agent with reasonable care.

Section 12.3 Exculpatory Provisions.

(a) The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

(i) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(ii) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents); provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative

 

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Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or Applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and

(iii) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Company or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Section 13.10 and Section 11.2), or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article V or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

Section 12.4 Reliance by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the Issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or Issuing Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or Issuing Lender prior to the making of such Loan or the Issuance of such Letter of Credit. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrowers), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

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Section 12.5 Notice of Default. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless it has received notice from a Lender, Issuing Lender or any Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, it shall promptly give notice thereof to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Required Lenders (or, when expressly required hereby, all the Lenders); provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the Lenders, except to the extent that other provisions of this Agreement expressly require that any such action be taken or not be taken only with the consent and authorization or the request of the Lenders or Required Lenders, as applicable.

Section 12.6 Non-Reliance on the Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact, Subsidiaries or Affiliates has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by the Administrative Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by the Administrative Agent to any Lender. Each Lender represents to the Administrative Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries and made its own decision to make its Loans and Issue or participate in Letters of Credit hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent hereunder or by the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries which may come into the possession of the Administrative Agent or any of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact, Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

Section 12.7 Indemnification. To the extent that the Borrowers for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under Section 8.7 or Section 13.2 to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), any Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), such Issuing Lender, the Swingline Lender or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time

 

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that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought based on each Lender’s share of the aggregate Extensions of Credit at such time) of such unpaid amount (including any such unpaid amount in respect of a claim asserted by such Lender); provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), such Issuing Lender or such Swingline Lender in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), such Issuing Lender or any such Swingline Lender in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this Section 12.8 are subject to the provisions of Section 4.7.

Section 12.8 The Administrative Agent in Its Individual Capacity. The Administrative Agent and its respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrowers as though the Administrative Agent were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders. With respect to any Loans made or renewed by it and any Note issued to it and with respect to any Letter of Credit Issued by it or participated in by it, the Administrative Agent shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as any Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” shall include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity.

Section 12.9 Resignation of the Administrative Agent; Successor Administrative Agent. Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor as provided below, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving notice thereof to the Lenders and the Company. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which successor shall have minimum capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which successor shall have minimum capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Section 12.9 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as Administrative Agent.

Section 12.10 Other Agents. None of the Lenders identified on the facing page, in the introductory paragraph or on the signature pages to this Agreement as a Co-Syndication Agent or Documentation Agent shall have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders so identified shall have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder.

 

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ARTICLE XIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 13.1 Notices.

(a) Method of Communication. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing (for purposes hereof, the term “writing” shall include information in electronic format such as electronic mail and internet web pages), or by telephone subsequently confirmed in writing. Any notice shall be effective if: (i) delivered by hand delivery (ii) sent via electronic mail, provided that the party sending such electronic mail does not receive notice that such electronic mail has failed to reach the Person or Persons to whom such notice is to be given, (iii) posting on an internet web page accessible by the Person or Persons to whom the notice is to be given, immediately following notice of such posting by electronic mail, (iv) facsimile, (v) recognized overnight courier service or (vi) certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall be presumed to be received by a party hereto (a) on the date of delivery if delivered by hand or sent by electronic mail as provided in (ii) above, posting on an internet web page as provided in (iii) above, facsimile, (b) on the next Business Day if sent by recognized overnight courier service and (c) on the third Business Day following the date sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. A telephonic notice to the Administrative Agent as understood by the Administrative Agent will be deemed to be the controlling and proper notice in the event of a discrepancy with or failure to receive a confirming written notice.

(b) Addresses for Notices. Notices to any party shall be sent to it at the following addresses, or any other address as to which all the other parties are notified in writing.

 

If to the Borrowers:    Belk, Inc.
   2801 West Tyvola Road
   Charlotte, North Carolina ###-###-####
   Attention: Chief Financial Officer
   Telephone No.: (704)  ###-###-####
With copies to:    Belk Stores Services, Inc.
   Legal Department
   2801 West Tyvola Road
   Charlotte, North Carolina ###-###-####
   Attention: General Counsel
   Telephone No.: (704)  ###-###-####
   Fax No.: (704)  ###-###-####

 

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If to Wells Fargo as    Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
   MAC D 1109-019
   1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.
   Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
   Attention: Syndication Agency Services
   Telephone No.: (704)  ###-###-####
   Fax No.: (704)  ###-###-####
With copies to:    Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
   One Wells Fargo Center, MAC D1053-150
   301 South College Street
   Charlotte, North Carolina ###-###-####
   Attention: Scott Santa Cruz
                       Max Redic
   Telephone No.: (704)  ###-###-####
   Fax No.: (704)  ###-###-####
   Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.
   101 North Tryon Street, Suite 1900
   Charlotte, North Carolina 28246
   Attention: Jeffrey A. Henson
   Telephone No.: (704)  ###-###-####
   Fax No.: (704)  ###-###-####
If to any Lender:    To the address set forth in the Register.

(c) Administrative Agent’s Office. The Administrative Agent hereby designates its office located at the address set forth above, or any subsequent office which shall have been specified for such purpose by written notice to the Company and Lenders, as the Administrative Agent’s Office referred to herein, to which payments due are to be made and at which Loans will be disbursed and Letters of Credit Issued.

Section 13.2 Expenses; Indemnity. The Borrowers will (a) pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including, without limitation, all costs of electronic or internet distribution of any information hereunder) of the Administrative Agent in connection with (i) the preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and each other Loan Document, whenever the same shall be executed and delivered, including without limitation all out-of-pocket syndication and due diligence expenses and reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent and (ii) the preparation, execution and delivery of any waiver, amendment or consent by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, including without limitation reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent, (b) pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent and each Lender actually incurred in connection with the administration and enforcement of any rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and Lenders under the Credit Facility, including, without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, enforcing any Obligations of, or collecting any payments due from, any Borrower or by reason of an Event of Default; consulting with appraisers, accountants, engineers, attorneys

 

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and other Persons concerning the nature, scope or value of any right or remedy of the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any factual matters in connection therewith, which expenses shall include without limitation the reasonable fees and disbursements of such Persons, and (c) defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each Issuing Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”), from and against any losses, penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs and expenses, suffered by any such Person in connection with any claim (including, without limitation, any Environmental Claims or civil penalties or fines assessed in connection with any violation of any Sanctions), investigation, litigation or other proceeding (whether or not the Administrative Agent or any Lender is a party thereto, and whether or not any such claim, investigation, litigation or other proceeding is brought or otherwise instituted by any Borrower or any third party) and the prosecution and defense thereof, arising out of or in any way connected with the Loans, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any documents, reports or other information provided to the Administrative Agent or any Lender or contemplated by or referred herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s and consultant’s fees, except to the extent that any of the foregoing directly result from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnitee seeking indemnification therefor as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Section 13.3 Set-off. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under Applicable Law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon and after the occurrence of any Event of Default and during the continuance thereof, the Lenders and any assignee or participant of a Lender in accordance with Section 13.9 are hereby authorized by the Borrowers at any time or from time to time, without notice to the Borrowers or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate and to apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, including, but not limited to, indebtedness evidenced by certificates of deposit, whether matured or unmatured) and any other indebtedness at any time held or owing by the Lenders, or any such assignee or participant to or for the credit or the account of any Borrower against and on account of the Obligations irrespective of whether or not (a) the Lenders shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or (b) the Administrative Agent shall have declared any or all of the Obligations to be due and payable as permitted by Section 11.2 and although such Obligations shall be contingent or unmatured. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, each Lender agrees to notify the Company and the Administrative Agent after any such set-off and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application.

Section 13.4 Governing Law. This Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents, unless otherwise expressly set forth therein, shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without reference to the conflicts or choice of law principles thereof.

Section 13.5 Jurisdiction and Venue.

(a) Jurisdiction. The Borrowers hereby irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (and

 

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any courts from which an appeal from any of such courts must or may be taken), in any action, claim or other proceeding arising out of any dispute in connection with this Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents, any rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder, or the performance of such rights and obligations. The Borrowers hereby irrevocably consent to the service of a summons and complaint and other process in any action, claim or proceeding brought by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement, the Notes or the other Loan Documents, any rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder, or the performance of such rights and obligations, on behalf of itself or its property, in the manner specified in Section 13.1. Nothing in this Section 13.5 shall affect the right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law or affect the right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to bring any action or proceeding against any Borrower or its properties in the courts of any other jurisdictions.

(b) Venue. The Borrowers hereby irrevocably waive any objection they may have now or in the future to the laying of venue in the aforesaid jurisdiction in any action, claim or other proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, any other Loan Document or the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder or thereunder. The Borrowers irrevocably waive, in connection with such action, claim or proceeding, any plea or claim that the action, claim or other proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

Section 13.6 Reversal of Payments. To the extent any Borrower makes a payment or payments to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Lenders or the Administrative Agent receives any payment or proceeds of the collateral which payments or proceeds or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment or proceeds repaid, the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent.

Section 13.7 Injunctive Relief; Punitive Damages.

(a) The Borrowers recognize that, in the event a Borrower fails to perform, observe or discharge any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement, any remedy of law may prove to be inadequate relief to the Lenders. Therefore, the Borrowers agree that the Lenders, at the Lenders’ option, shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief in any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages.

(b) The Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Company (on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries) hereby agree that no such Person shall have a remedy of special, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages against any other party to a Loan Document and each such Person hereby waives any right or claim to special, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages that they may now have or may arise in the future in connection with any dispute, whether such dispute is resolved through arbitration or judicially.

Section 13.8 Accounting Matters. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in

 

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effect from time to time, provided that, if at any time any change in GAAP or mandatory adoption of another accounting method would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrowers or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrowers shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP or mandatory adoption of another accounting method (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided, further, that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrowers shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Debt of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, plus or minus any associated unamortized original issue premium or discount, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.

Section 13.9 Successors and Assigns; Participations.

(a) Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, all future holders of the Notes, and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrowers shall not assign or transfer any of their rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of each Lender.

(b) Assignment by Lenders. Each Lender may, in the ordinary course of its business and in accordance with Applicable Law, sell or assign to any Lender, any Approved Fund or any Affiliate of a Lender and with the consent of the Company (so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) and the consent of the Administrative Agent, which consents shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, assign to one or more other Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of the Extensions of Credit at the time owing to it and the Notes held by it or participating interest in the Existing Letters of Credit); provided that:

(i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement;

(ii) if less than all of the assigning Lender’s Revolving Credit Commitment is to be assigned, the Revolving Credit Commitment so assigned shall not be less than $1,000,000;

(iii) the assignee shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent all United States Internal Revenue Service Forms required pursuant to Section 4.11(e) and all of the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, an Assignment and Assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit G attached hereto (an “Assignment and Assumption”), together with any Note or Notes subject to such assignment;

 

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(iv) where consent of the Borrowers to an assignment to a assignee is required hereunder, the Borrowers shall be deemed to have given its consent ten (10) Business Days after the date written notice thereof has been delivered by the assigning Lender (through the Administrative Agent) unless such consent is expressly refused by the Borrowers prior to such tenth (10th) Business Day;

(v) such assignment shall not, without the consent of the Company, require any Borrower to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission or apply to or qualify the Loans or the Notes under the blue sky laws of any state; and

(vi) the assigning Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent an assignment fee of $3,500 upon the execution by such Lender of the Assignment and Assumption; provided that no such fee shall be payable upon any assignment by a Lender to an Affiliate thereof.

Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, which effective date shall be at least five (5) Business Days after the execution thereof (unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent), (A) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent provided in such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereby and (B) the Lender thereunder shall, to the extent provided in such assignment, be released from its obligations under this Agreement.

(c) Rights and Duties Upon Assignment. By executing and delivering an Assignment and Assumption, the assigning Lender thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as set forth in such Assignment and Assumption.

(d) Register. The Administrative Agent shall maintain a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the name and address of each Lender, the amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment with respect to each Lender from time to time and the amount of Extensions of Credit with respect to each Lender from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of manifest error, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Company or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(e) Issuance of New Notes. Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and another Lender, an Approved Fund, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Eligible Assignee together with any Note or Notes (if applicable) subject to such assignment and (if applicable) the written consent to such assignment, the

 

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Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Assumption has been completed and is substantially in the form of Exhibit G:

(i) accept such Assignment and Assumption;

(ii) record the information contained therein in the Register;

(iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders and the Company; and

(iv) promptly deliver a copy of such Assignment and Assumption to the Company.

Within five (5) Business Days after receipt of notice, the Borrowers shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, in exchange for the surrendered Note or Notes, a new Note or Notes to the order of such Lender, Approved Fund, Affiliate of a Lender or Eligible Assignee (to the extent requested thereby) in amounts equal to the Revolving Credit Commitment assumed by it pursuant to such Assignment and Assumption and a new Note or Notes to the order of the assigning Lender (to the extent requested thereby) in an amount equal to the Revolving Credit Commitment retained by it hereunder. Such new Note or Notes shall be in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of such surrendered Note or Notes, shall be dated the effective date of such Assignment and Assumption and shall otherwise be in substantially the form of the assigned Notes delivered to the assigning Lender. Each surrendered Note or Notes shall be canceled and returned to the Company.

(f) Participations. Each Lender may, without notice to and without the consent of the Borrowers (except that the Borrowers’ consent may be required in accordance with the last paragraph of this clause (f)) or the Administrative Agent, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking business and in accordance with Applicable Law, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities in all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Extensions of Credit and the Notes held by it); provided that:

(i) each such participation shall be in an amount not less than $1,000,000;

(ii) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Revolving Credit Commitment) shall remain unchanged;

(iii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations;

(iv) such Lender shall remain the holder of the Notes held by it for all purposes of this Agreement;

(v) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement;

 

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(vi) such Lender shall not permit such participant the right to approve any waivers, amendments or other modifications to this Agreement or any other Loan Document other than waivers, amendments or modifications which would reduce the principal of or the interest rate on any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation, extend the term or increase the amount of the Revolving Credit Commitment, reduce the amount of any fees to which such participant is entitled or extend any scheduled payment date for principal of any Loan; and

(vii) any such disposition shall not, without the consent of the Company, require any Borrower to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to apply to qualify the Loans or the Notes under the blue sky law of any state.

The Borrowers agree that each participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 4.11 and 13.2 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 13.9; provided that a participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, and 4.11 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such participant, unless the sale of the participation to such participant is made with the Borrowers’ prior written consent and such participant shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent all United States Internal Revenue Service Forms required pursuant to Section 4.11(e). Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any participant or any information relating to a participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

(g) Disclosure of Information; Confidentiality. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall hold all non-public information with respect to the Borrowers obtained pursuant to the Loan Documents (or any Hedging Agreement or Cash Management Agreement with a Lender or the Administrative Agent) in accordance with their customary procedures for handling confidential information; provided, that the Administrative Agent and each of the institutions identified on the cover page hereof as “Joint Lead Arrangers” may disclose information relating to this Agreement to Gold Sheets and other similar bank trade publications, such information to consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications and provided further, that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may disclose any such information to the extent such disclosure is (i) required by law or requested or required

 

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pursuant to any legal process, (ii) requested by, or required to be disclosed to, any rating agency, or regulatory or similar authority (including, without limitation, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (iii) used in any suit, action or proceeding for the purpose of defending itself, reducing its liability or protecting any of its claims, rights, remedies or interests under or in connection with the Loan Documents (or any Hedging Agreement or Cash Management Agreement with a Lender or the Administrative Agent) or (iv) otherwise consented to by the Company. The Administrative Agent or any Lender may, in connection with any sale, proposed sale, assignment, proposed assignment, participation or proposed participation pursuant to Section 2.7 or this Section 13.9, disclose to the assignee, participant, proposed assignee, proposed participant or to any direct or indirect contractual counterparty in swap agreements or such contractual counterparty’s professional advisor, any information relating to the Borrowers furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrowers; provided, that prior to any such disclosure, each such New Lender or proposed New Lender, assignee, proposed assignee, participant, proposed participant or professional advisor shall agree to be bound by the provisions of this Section 13.9(g).

(h) Certain Pledges or Assignments. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender form any of its obligations hereunder or substitute such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

Section 13.10 Amendments, Waivers and Consents. Except as set forth below or as specifically provided in any Loan Document, including, without limitation, Section 2.7 hereof, any term, covenant, agreement or condition of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents may be amended or waived by the Lenders, and any consent given by the Lenders, if, but only if, such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing signed by the Required Lenders (or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders) and delivered to the Administrative Agent and, in the case of an amendment, signed by the Borrowers; provided, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall (a) increase the Aggregate Commitment or increase the amount of the Loans, (b) reduce the rate of interest or fees payable on any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation, (c) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation, (d) extend the originally scheduled time or times of payment of the principal of any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation or the time or times of payment of interest on any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation or any fee or commission with respect thereto, (e) permit any subordination of the principal or interest on any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation, (f) release any Borrower from the Obligations (other than Hedging Obligations and obligations under Cash Management Agreements) hereunder, (g) permit any assignment (other than as specifically permitted or contemplated in this Agreement) of any of a Borrower’s rights and obligations hereunder, (h) amend Section 4.4 or Section 4.5 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, (i) amend the provisions of this Section 13.10 or the definition of Required Lenders, in each case, without the prior written consent of each Lender or (j) extend the time of the obligation of the Lenders holding Revolving Credit Commitments to make or Issue or participate in Letters of Credit, in each case, without the prior written consent of each Lender. In addition, no amendment, waiver or consent to the provisions of (a) Article XII shall be made without the written consent of the Administrative Agent and (b)

 

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Article III without the written consent of each Issuing Lender. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Revolving Credit Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender.

Section 13.11 Performance of Duties. The Borrowers’ obligations under this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents shall be performed by the Borrowers at their sole cost and expense.

Section 13.12 All Powers Coupled with Interest. All powers of attorney and other authorizations granted to the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and any Persons designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to any provisions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents shall be deemed coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable so long as any of the Obligations remain unpaid or unsatisfied, any of the Revolving Credit Commitments remain in effect or the Credit Facility has not been terminated.

Section 13.13 Survival of Indemnities. Notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement, the indemnities to which the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are entitled under the provisions of this Article XIII and any other provision of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall continue in full force and effect and shall protect the Administrative Agent and the Lenders against events arising after such termination as well as before.

Section 13.14 Titles and Captions. Titles and captions of Articles, Sections and subsections in, and the table of contents of, this Agreement are for convenience only, and neither limit nor amplify the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 13.15 Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions hereof or thereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 13.16 Counterparts; Integration. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and shall be binding upon all parties, their successors and assigns, and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.

Section 13.17 Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in effect from the Closing Date through and including the date upon which all Obligations arising hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall have been indefeasibly and irrevocably paid and satisfied in full and all Revolving Credit Commitments have been terminated. No termination of this Agreement shall affect the rights and obligations of the parties hereto arising prior to such termination or in respect of any provision of this Agreement which survives such termination.

 

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Section 13.18 Advice of Counsel. Each of the parties represents to each other party hereto that it has discussed this Agreement with its counsel.

Section 13.19 No Strict Construction. The parties hereto have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this Agreement.

Section 13.20 Inconsistencies with Other Documents; Independent Effect of Covenants.

(a) In the event there is a conflict or inconsistency between this Agreement and any other Loan Document, the terms of this Agreement shall control.

(b) The Borrowers expressly acknowledge and agree that each covenant contained in Articles VIII, IX or X hereof shall be given independent effect. Accordingly, the Borrowers shall not engage in any transaction or other act otherwise prohibited under any covenant contained in Articles VIII, IX or X if, before or after giving effect to such transaction or act, the Borrowers shall or would be in breach of any other covenant contained in Articles IX, X or XI.

Section 13.21 Effect of Agreement. The parties hereto agree that this Agreement is intended as a continuation, amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement and shall not constitute a novation of the Existing Credit Agreement.

Section 13.22 USA Patriot Act. The Administrative Agent and each Lender hereby notifies the Borrowers that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Patriot Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrowers, which information includes the name and address of each Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Borrower in accordance with the Act.

[Signature pages to follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed under seal by their duly authorized officers, all as of the day and year first written above.

 

BELK, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

 

Adam M. Orvos

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

BELK ADMINISTRATION COMPANY, as a Borrower
By:  

 

 

Adam M. Orvos

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

BELK INTERNATIONAL, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

 

Adam M. Orvos

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

BELK STORES SERVICES, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

 

Adam M. Orvos

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

BELK-SIMPSON COMPANY, GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Adam M. Orvos
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Pages Continue]

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


THE BELK CENTER, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Adam M. Orvos
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
BELK ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Adam M. Orvos
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
BELK STORES OF VIRGINIA LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Adam M. Orvos
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
BELK GIFT CARD COMPANY LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Adam M. Orvos
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
BELK MERCHANDISING LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Adam M. Orvos
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Pages Continue]

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


BELK TEXAS HOLDINGS LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Adam M. Orvos
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
BELK DEPARTMENT STORES LP, as a Borrower
By:   Belk, Inc., its General Partner
By:  

 

  Adam M. Orvos
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
BELK ECOMMERCE LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

 

Adam M. Orvos

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

BELK STORES OF MISSISSIPPI LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Adam M. Orvos
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Pages Continue]

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


REGIONS BANK
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


TD BANK, N.A.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


MECHANICS AND FARMERS BANK
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement


EXHIBIT A-1

FORM OF REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

This Revolving Credit Note amends and restates, but does not extinguish, all Obligations under the Revolving Credit Notes executed by the Borrowers in favor of the Lender in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement and as such replaces any such Revolving Credit Notes.

REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

 

$                                             ,    ,        

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, BELK, INC., a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware (the “Company”), and the Subsidiaries of the Company listed on the signature pages hereto (each a “Borrower” and together, the “Borrowers”) hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to                 , (the “Lender”), at the place and times provided in the Credit Agreement referred to below, the principal sum of                 DOLLARS ($                ) or, if less, the unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans made by the Lender from time to time pursuant to that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2014 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among the Borrowers, the Lenders who are or may become a party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement.

The unpaid principal amount of this Revolving Credit Note from time to time outstanding is subject to mandatory repayment from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement and shall bear interest as provided in Section 4.1 of the Credit Agreement. All payments of principal and interest on this Revolving Credit Note shall be payable in lawful currency of the United States in immediately available funds to the account designated in the Credit Agreement.

This Revolving Credit Note is entitled to the benefits of, and evidences Obligations incurred under, the Credit Agreement, to which reference is made for a statement of the terms and conditions on which the Borrowers are permitted and required to make prepayments and repayments of principal of the Obligations evidenced by this Revolving Credit Note and on which such Obligations may be declared to be immediately due and payable.

THIS REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF NORTH CAROLINA, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE CONFLICTS OR CHOICE OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

The Debt evidenced by this Revolving Credit Note is senior in right of payment to all Subordinated Debt referred to in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrowers hereby waive all requirements as to diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and (except as required by the Credit Agreement) notice of any kind with respect to this Revolving Credit Note.

[Signature Pages Follow]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Revolving Credit Note under seal as of the day and year first above written.

 

BELK, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK ADMINISTRATION COMPANY, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK INTERNATIONAL, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK STORES SERVICES, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK-SIMPSON COMPANY, GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Pages Continue]

 

[Signature Page to Revolving Credit Note]


THE BELK CENTER, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

 

Name:

Title:

BELK ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE LLC, as a Borrower

By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK STORES OF VIRGINIA LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK GIFT CARD COMPANY LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK MERCHANDISING LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Pages Continue]

 

[Signature Page to Revolving Credit Note]


BELK TEXAS HOLDINGS LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK DEPARTMENT STORES LP, as a Borrower
By:   Belk, Inc., its General Partner
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK ECOMMERCE LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK STORES OF MISSISSIPPI LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Revolving Credit Note]


EXHIBIT A-2

FORM OF SWINGLINE NOTE

This Swingline Note amends and restates, but does not extinguish, all Obligations under the Swingline Note executed by the Borrowers in favor of the Lender in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement and as such replaces any such Swingline Note.

SWINGLINE NOTE

 

$                                         ,        

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, BELK, INC., a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware (the “Company”), and the Subsidiaries of the Company listed on the signature pages hereto (each a “Borrower” and together, the “Borrowers”) hereby jointly and severally promise to pay to WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “Lender”), at the place and times provided in the Credit Agreement referred to below, the principal sum of             DOLLARS ($            ) or, if less, the unpaid principal amount of all Swingline Loans made by the Lender from time to time pursuant to that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2014 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among the Borrowers, the Lenders who are or may become a party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement.

The unpaid principal amount of this Swingline Note from time to time outstanding is subject to mandatory repayment from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement and shall bear interest as provided in Section 4.1 of the Credit Agreement. Swingline Loans refunded as Revolving Credit Loans in accordance with Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement shall be payable by the Borrowers as Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to the Revolving Credit Notes, and shall not be payable under this Swingline Note as Swingline Loans. All payments of principal and interest on this Swingline Note shall be payable in lawful currency of the United States in immediately available funds to the account designated in the Credit Agreement.

This Swingline Note is entitled to the benefits of, and evidences Obligations incurred under, the Credit Agreement, to which reference is made for a statement of the terms and conditions on which the Borrowers are permitted and required to make prepayments and repayments of principal of the Obligations evidenced by this Swingline Note and on which such Obligations may be declared to be immediately due and payable.

THIS SWINGLINE NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF NORTH CAROLINA, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE CONFLICTS OR CHOICE OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

The Debt evidenced by this Swingline Note is senior in right of payment to all Subordinated Debt referred to in the Credit Agreement.


The Borrowers hereby waive all requirements as to diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and (except as required by the Credit Agreement) notice of any kind with respect to this Swingline Note.

[Signature Pages Follow]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Swingline Note under seal as of the day and year first above written.

 

BELK, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK ADMINISTRATION COMPANY, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK INTERNATIONAL, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK STORES SERVICES, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK-SIMPSON COMPANY, GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Pages Continue]

 

[Signature Page to Swingline Note]


THE BELK CENTER, INC., as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK STORES OF VIRGINIA LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK GIFT CARD COMPANY LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK MERCHANDISING LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Pages Continue]

 

[Signature Page to Swingline Note]


BELK TEXAS HOLDINGS LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK DEPARTMENT STORES LP, as a Borrower
By:   Belk, Inc., its General Partner
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK ECOMMERCE LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BELK STORES OF MISSISSIPPI LLC, as a Borrower
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Swingline Note]


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING

Dated as of:             

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent

MAC D 1109-019

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28262

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This irrevocable Notice of Borrowing is delivered to you pursuant to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 22, 2014 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among Belk, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Subsidiaries of the Company listed on the signature pages thereto (each a “Borrower” and together, the “Borrowers”), the lenders party thereto (the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.

1. The Borrowers hereby request that the Lenders make a [Revolving Credit Loan] [Swingline Loan] to the Borrowers in the aggregate principal amount of $            . (Complete with an amount in accordance with Section 2.3(a) of the Credit Agreement.)

2. The Borrowers hereby request that such Loan be made on the following Business Day:             . (Complete with a Business Day in accordance with Section 2.3(a) of the Credit Agreement).

3. The Borrowers hereby request that the Loan bear interest at the following interest rate, plus the Applicable Margin, as set forth below:

 

Component

Of Loan

  

Interest Rate

  

Interest Period

(LIBOR

Rate only)

  

Termination Date for Interest
Period (if applicable)

  

[Base Rate, LIBOR

Rate or Libor Market Index Rate (Swingline Loans only)]

     


4. The principal amount of all Loans and L/C Obligations outstanding as of the date hereof (including the requested Loan) does not exceed the maximum amount permitted to be outstanding pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

5. All of the conditions applicable to the Loan requested herein as set forth in the Credit Agreement have been satisfied as of the date hereof and will remain satisfied to the date of such Loan.

6. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Notice of Borrowing as of the day and year first above written.

 

BELK, INC., on behalf of itself and the other Borrowers
By  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Notice of Borrowing]


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF NOTICE OF ACCOUNT DESIGNATION

Dated as of:             

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent

MAC D 1109-019

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28262

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This Notice of Account Designation is delivered to you under Section 2.3(b) of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 22, 2014 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among Belk, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Subsidiaries of the Company listed on the signature pages thereto (each a “Borrower” and together, the “Borrowers”), the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.

1. The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to disburse all Loan proceeds into the following account(s):

 

 

 

 
  ABA Routing Number:  

 

 
  Account Number:  

                                      

 

2. This authorization shall remain in effect until revoked or until a subsequent Notice of Account Designation is provided to the Administrative Agent.

3. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Notice of Account Designation as of the day and year first above written.

 

BELK, INC., on behalf of itself and the other Borrowers
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Notice of Account Designation]


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF NOTICE OF REPAYMENT

Dated as of:             

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent

MAC D 1109-019

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28262

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This irrevocable Notice of Repayment is delivered to you under Section 2.4(c) of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 22, 2014 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among Belk, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Subsidiaries of the Company listed on the signature pages thereto (each a “Borrower” and together, the “Borrowers”), the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.

1. The Borrowers hereby provide notice to the Administrative Agent that they shall repay the following [Base Rate Loans] [LIBOR Rate Loans] and/or [LIBOR Market Index Rate Loans]:             .

(Complete with an amount in accordance with Section 2.4 of the Credit Agreement.)

2. The Loan to be prepaid is a [check each applicable box]

 

  ¨ Swingline Loan

 

  ¨ Revolving Credit Loan

3. The Borrowers shall repay the above-referenced Loans on the following Business Day:             . (Complete with a Business Day at least one (1) Business Day subsequent to the date of this Notice of Repayment with respect to any Swingline Loan or any Base Rate Loan and three (3) Business Days subsequent to date of this Notice of Prepayment with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan. )

4. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Notice of Repayment as of the day and year first above written.

 

BELK, INC., on behalf of itself and the other Borrowers
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Notice of Repayment]


EXHIBIT E

FORM OF NOTICE OF CONVERSION/CONTINUATION

Dated as of:             

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,

as Administrative Agent

MAC D 1109-019

1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, North Carolina 28262

Attention: Syndication Agency Services

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This irrevocable Notice of Conversion/Continuation (the “Notice”) is delivered to you under Section 4.2 of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 22, 2014 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among Belk, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Subsidiaries of the Company listed on the signature pages thereto (each a “Borrower” and together, the “Borrowers”), the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent.

1. The Loan to which this Notice relates is a Revolving Credit Loan.

2. This Notice is submitted for the purpose of:

    (Check one and complete applicable information in accordance with the Credit Agreement.)

 

  ¨ Converting all or a portion of a Base Rate Loan into a LIBOR Rate Loan

 

  (a) The aggregate outstanding principal balance of such Loan is $            .

 

  (b) The principal amount of such Loan to be converted is $            .

 

  (c) The requested effective date of the conversion of such Loan is             .

 

  (d) The requested Interest Period applicable to the converted Loan is             .

 

  ¨ Converting all or a portion of a LIBOR Rate Loan into a Base Rate Loan

 

  (a) The aggregate outstanding principal balance of such Loan is $            .

 

  (b) The last day of the current Interest Period for such Loan is             .

 

  (c) The principal amount of such Loan to be converted is $            .

 

  (d) The requested effective date of the conversion of such Loan is             .


  ¨ Continuing all or a portion of a LIBOR Rate Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan

 

  (a) The aggregate outstanding principal balance of such Loan is $            .

 

  (b) The last day of the current Interest Period for such Loan is             .

 

  (c) The principal amount of such Loan to be continued is $            .

 

  (d) The requested effective date of the continuation of such Loan is             .

 

  (e) The requested Interest Period applicable to the continued Loan is             .

3. The principal amount of all Loans and L/C Obligations outstanding as of the date hereof does not exceed the maximum amount permitted to be outstanding pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.

4. All of the conditions applicable to the conversion or continuation of the Loan requested herein as set forth in the Credit Agreement have been satisfied or waived as of the date hereof and will remain satisfied or waived to the date of such Loan.

5. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Notice of Conversion/Continuation as of the day and year first above written.

 

BELK, INC., on behalf of itself and the other Borrowers
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Notice of Conversion/Continuation]


EXHIBIT F

FORM OF OFFICER’S COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

The undersigned, on behalf of Belk, Inc. (the “Company”), and on behalf of the Subsidiaries of the Company listed on the signature pages to the Credit Agreement referred to below (each a “Borrower” and together, the “Borrowers”), hereby certifies to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, each as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below, as follows:

1. This certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 7.2 of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 22, 2014 (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Borrowers, the lenders party thereto (the “Lenders”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”). Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement.

2. I have reviewed the financial statements of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries dated as of             and for the             period[s] then ended and such statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations and cash flows for the period[s] indicated.

3. I have reviewed the terms of the Credit Agreement, and the related Loan Documents and have made, or caused to be made under my supervision, a review in reasonable detail of the transactions and the condition of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by the financial statements referred to in Paragraph 2 above. Such review has not disclosed the existence during or at the end of such accounting period of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, nor do I have any knowledge of the existence of any such condition or event as at the date of this certificate [except, if such condition or event existed or exists, describe the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Borrowers have taken, are taking and propose to take with respect thereto].

4. The Applicable Margin and calculations determining such figure are set forth on the attached Schedule 1 and the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries are in compliance with the financial covenants contained in Article IX of the Credit Agreement as shown on such Schedule 1 and the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries are in compliance with the other covenants and restrictions contained in the Credit Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]


WITNESS the following signature as of the day and year first above written.

 

BELK, INC., on behalf of itself and the other Borrowers
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

[Signature Page to Officer’s Compliance Certificate]


Schedule 1

to

Officer’s Compliance Certificate

[To be provided by Borrowers in form acceptable to Administrative Agent]


EXHIBIT G

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

This Assignment and Assumption (the “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each]1 Assignor identified on the Schedule hereto as “Assignor” or “Assignors” (collectively, the “Assignors” and each anAssignor”) and [the][each]2 Assignee identified on the Schedule hereto as “Assignee” or “Assignees” (collectively, the “Assigneesand each an Assignee”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees]3 hereunder are several and not joint.]4 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below, receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by [the][each] Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including without limitation any Letters of Credit, guarantees, and Swingline Loans included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively, as [the][an]Assigned Interest”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1  For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.
2  For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.
3  Select as appropriate.
4  Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.


  1.     Assignor(s):    See Schedule attached hereto
          Assignor [is] [is not] a Defaulting Lender.
  2.     Assignee(s):    See Schedule attached hereto
  3.     Borrowers:    Belk, Inc. and Subsidiaries of Belk, Inc. party to the Credit Agreement
  4.     Administrative Agent:    Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement
  5.     Credit Agreement:    The Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 22, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among Belk, Inc. and the Subsidiaries of Belk, Inc. party thereto, as Borrowers, the Lenders parties thereto, as Lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified)
  6.     Assigned Interest:    See Schedule attached hereto
  [7.    Trade Date:                ]5

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

5  To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.


  Effective Date:                , 20            [TO BE INSERTED BY THE ADMINSTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]
  The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

ASSIGNOR(S)

See Schedule attached hereto

ASSIGNEE(S)

See Schedule attached hereto


SCHEDULE

To Assignment and Assumption

By its execution of this Schedule, each Assignor and each Assignee agrees to the terms set forth in the attached Assignment and Assumption.

Assigned Interests:

 

Assignor(s)6

   Assignee(s)7    Facility
Assigned8
   Aggregate Amount of
Commitment/Loans
for all Lenders9
     Amount of
Commitment/
Loans
Assigned9
     Percentage
Assigned of
Commitment/
Loans10
    CUSIP
Number
         $                    $                                
         $                    $                                
         $                    $                                

 

ASSIGNEE(S)
[INSERT NAME OF ASSIGNEE]
[and is an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [identify Lender]11]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
ASSIGNOR(S)
[INSERT NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

By:

 

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

6  List each Assignor, as appropriate.
7  List each Assignee, as appropriate.
8  Fill in the appropriate terminology for the types of facilities under the Credit Agreement that are being assigned under this Assignment (e.g. “Revolving Credit Commitment,” etc.)
9  Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.
10  Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.
11  Select as applicable.


[Consented to and]12 Accepted:
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Swingline Lender and Issuing Lender
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
[Consented to:]13
BELK, INC. on behalf of itself and the other Borrowers
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

12  To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or any Issuing Lender is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement. May also use a Master Consent.
13  To be added only if the consent of the Borrowers is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement. May also use a Master Consent.


ANNEX 1

to Assignment and Assumption

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Representations and Warranties.

1.1 Assignor[s]. [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and (iv) it is [not] a Defaulting Lender; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrowers, any of their Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrowers, any of their Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2. Assignee[s]. [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 13.9(b) of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required therein), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Sections 5.1 or 7.1 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.


2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of North Carolina.


SCHEDULE 1.1(a)

Existing Letters of Credit

 

LOC #

   Current
Balance
     Issue Date    Expiry
Date
  

Beneficiary

LC968-133247    $ 20,000       6/3/2002    6/15/2015    United States Postal Service
SM202485    $ 205,000       3/18/2003    1/31/2015    The Travelers Indemnity Company
SM218346    $ 2,850,000       2/13/2006    1/31/2015    Zurich American Insurance
SM222809    $ 45,000       11/3/2006    11/4/2015    The Travelers Indemnity Company
SM238972    $ 9,875,000       3/29/2011    3/28/2015    Hartford Fire Insurance Company
SM214999    $ 45,000       7/29/2005    7/26/2015    Utility Dept City of Maryville, TN

Total as of

10/14/2014

   $ 13,040,000            


SCHEDULE 1.1(b)

Commitments

 

Lender

   L/C Commitment      Revolving Credit Commitment  

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

   $ 33,333,333.33       $ 75,000,000.00   

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 33,333,333.33       $ 75,000,000.00   

Branch Banking & Trust Company

   $ 33,333,333.33       $ 75,000,000.00   

PNC Bank, National Association

   $ 0       $ 60,000,000   

Regions Bank

   $ 0       $ 60,000,000   

U.S. Bank National Association

   $ 0       $ 60,000,000   

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 0       $ 30,000,000   

Northern Trust Company

   $ 0       $ 30,000,000   

TD Bank, N.A.

   $ 0       $ 30,000,000   

Mechanics and Farmers Bank

   $ 0       $ 5,000,000   

Total

   $ 100,000,000       $ 500,000,000   


SCHEDULE 6.1(a)

Jurisdictions of Organization and Qualification

 

CORPORATIONS

   STATE
OF
INC
     STATES QUALIFIED IN  
            AL      AR      DE      FL      GA      KY      LA      MD      MO      MS      NC      OK      SC      TN      TX      VA      WV  

Belk, Inc.

     DE         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x         x   

Belk Accounts Receivable LLC

     NC                                       x                     

Belk Administration Company

     NC                  x                           x                     

Belk Gift Card Company LLC

     NC                                       x                     

Belk International, Inc.

     NC                                       x                     

Belk-Simpson Company, Greenville, South Carolina

     SC                                             x               

Belk Stores Services, Inc.

     NC                                       x            x               

Belk Stores of Virginia LLC

     NC                                       x                     x      

The Belk Center, Inc.

     NC                                       x                     

Belk Merchandising LLC

     NC                                       x                     


CORPORATIONS

   STATE
OF
INC
     STATES QUALIFIED IN
            AL    AR    DE    FL    GA    KY    LA    MD    MO    MS      NC      OK    SC    TN      TX      VA    WV

Belk Texas Holding LLC

     NC                                       x                     

Belk Department Stores LP

     NC                                    x         x               x         x         

Belk Ecommerce LLC

     NC                                       x                     

Belk Stores of Mississippi LLC

     MS                                    x                        


SCHEDULE 6.1(b)

Subsidiaries and Capitalization

 

Corporations

   # Shares
Authorized
     Shares
Outstanding
     Classes    Par Value      Owned by
               Stockholders    No. Shares
Owned
    

Members

Belk, Inc.

     200,000,000         38,343,951       A      0.01       Individuals      
     200,000,000         920,452       B      0.01       Individuals      
     20,000,000         0       Preferred      0.01            

Belk-Simpson Company, Greenville, South Carolina

     148,512         35,931       None      100.00       Belk, Inc.      35,931      

Belk Stores Services, Inc.

     1,000,000         314,404       None      1.00       Belk, Inc.      314,404      

Belk Administration Company

     1,000         250       None      100.00       Belk Stores
Services, Inc.
     250      

Belk Gift Card Company LLC

    
 
single member
LLC
  
  
                  Belk, Inc.

The Belk Center, Inc.

    

 
 

a cooperative:

no stock
issued

  

  
  

                 

Belk, Inc.

Belk Stores of Virginia LLC

Belk-Simpson Company, Greenville, South Carolina

Belk Accounts Receivable LLC

Belk International, Inc.

    

 
 

a cooperative:

no stock
issued

  

  
  

                 

Belk, Inc.

Belk Stores of Virginia LLC

Belk-Simpson Company, Greenville, South Carolina

Belk Accounts Receivable LLC

    
 
single member
LLC
  
  
                  Belk Stores Services, Inc.


Corporations

   # Shares
Authorized
   Shares
Outstanding
   Classes    Par Value    Owned by
               Stockholders    No. Shares
Owned
  

Members

Belk Stores of Virginia LLC

   single member
LLC
                  Belk Stores Services, Inc.

Belk Texas Holdings LLC

   single member
LLC
                  Belk, Inc. Belk, Inc. 1% GP

Belk Department Stores LP

   general partner
limited partner
                  Belk Texas Holdings LLC 99% limited partner

Belk Merchandising LLC

   single member
LLC
                  Belk International

Belk Ecommerce LLC

   single member
LLC
                  Belk, Inc.

Belk Stores of Mississippi LLC

   single member
LLC
                  Belk Department Stores LP


SCHEDULE 6.1(f)

Ongoing Tax Audits

Income Tax

State of North Carolina – fiscal years ending January 2011, 2012, 2013

State of Florida – fiscal years ending January 2011, 2012, 2013

Sales and Use Tax

City of Monroe LA / Ouachita Parish – January 2011 thru December 203

North Carolina – April 2011 thru March 2014

Texas – January 2011 thru April 2014

Unclaimed Property

North Carolina instituted, joined by District of Colombia, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Virginia – 1997 thru 2011

Property Tax

Belk locations under personal property tax audit as of 10/8/2014

 

Store #

  

Store Name

  

State

    

County

25    Greensboro, NC      NC       Guilford
30    High Point, NC      NC       Guilford
78    Hartwell, GA      GA       Hart
316    Springfield, TN      TN       Robertson
329    Charlotte, NC      NC       Mecklenburg
452    Charlotte, NC      NC       Mecklenburg
465    Greensboro, NC      NC       Guilford
553    Pineville, NC      NC       Mecklenburg
598    Henderson, NC      NC       Vance
684    Athens, TN      TN       McMinn
967    Belk Merchandising, LLC      NC       Mecklenburg
986    Charlotte, NC - BAC      NC       Mecklenburg
999    Charlotte, NC Belk Stores Services      NC       Mecklenburg


SCHEDULE 6.1(i)

ERISA Plans

Employee Pension Benefit Plans:

  1. Belk 401(k) Savings Plan
  2. Belk Pension Plan

Employee Welfare Benefit Plans:

  3. Belk Employees’ Healthcare Plan (Medical & Dental)
  4. Belk Employees’ Group Life Insurance Plan
  5. Belk Employees’ Business Travel Plan
  6. Belk Employees’ Short Term Disability Income Plan
  7. Belk Employees’ Personal Accident Insurance Plan
  8. Belk Employees’ Vision Plan
  9. Belk Employees’ Long Term Disability Income Plan
  10. Belk Employees’ Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  11. Belk Part Time Employees’ Dental Plan
  12. Belk Part Time Employees’ Vision Plan
  13. Belk Employees’ Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  14. Belk Texas Injury Benefit Plan
  15. Belk Employees’ Health Savings Account

 

 

Non-ERISA Employee Benefit Plans:

  16. Belk Deferred Compensation Plans I – V
  17. Belk 401(k) Restoration Plan
  18. Belk, Inc. Pension Restoration Plan
  19. Belk Inc. 2004 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan – Defined Contribution
  20. Belk Stores Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan – Defined Benefit
  21. Belk Board of Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan
  22. Belk Employees’ Long Term Care Insurance Plan
  23. Belk Employees’ Auto and Home Insurance Plan
  24. Belk Employees’ Legal Plan
  25. Belk Employee Assistance Program


SCHEDULE 6.1(l)

Material Contracts

Amended and restated Information Technology Services Agreement between Belk Administration Company and International Business Machines Corporation, dated September 30, 2014

Credit Card Program Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2005, by and among Belk, Inc., Belk Stores of Virginia LLC, Belk-Simpson Company, Greenville, South Carolina, Belk Department Stores LP, Belk Accounts Receivable LLC, Belk Stores of Mississippi LLC and Synchrony Bank (formally known as GE Money Bank)


SCHEDULE 6.1(m)

Labor and Collective Bargaining Agreements

None.


SCHEDULE 6.1(t)

Existing Debt and Guaranty Obligations

 

   

Items

   Balance  

1.

  Standby Letters of Credit under Credit Facility per schedule 1.1(a)    $ 13,040,000   

2.

  Letter of Credit arising under that certain Master Agreement for Letters of Credit dated January 28, 1998 between Belk International, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., no balances outstanding as of October 14, 2014    $ 0   

3.

  Amended and Restated Guaranty dated September 16, 2004 from Belk, Inc. to Bank of America, N.A. which guarantees up to $45,000,000 for Letters of Credit arising under that certain Master Agreement for Letters of Credit dated January 28, 1998 between Belk International, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.   

4.

  Various guaranty agreements entered into by Belk, Inc. for operating leases of subsidiaries of Belk, Inc. entered into in the ordinary course of business.   

5.

  Guaranty agreement dated September 30, 2014 by and between Belk, Inc. and International Business Machines Corporation, which guarantees the obligations of Belk Administration Company pursuant to that certain Information Technology Services Agreement dated September 30, 2014 between Belk Administration Company and International Business Machines Corporation.   

6.

  Senior Notes as follows: $100,000,000 5.31% Senior Notes, Series B, due July 12, 2015 issued by the Borrows in favor of certain purchases pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated July 12, 2005 by and among the Borrowers of such purchases.    $ 100,000,000   

7.

  Senior Notes as follows: $125,000,000 6.20% 2007 Senior Notes, dated August 31, 2007, due August 31, 2017 issued by Prudential Capital Group.    $ 125,000,000   

8.

  Senior Notes as follows: $50,000,000 5.70% 2010 Senior Notes, dated November 23, 2010, due November 23, 2020, issued by Prudential Capital Group    $ 50,000,000   

9.

  Senior Notes as follows: $100,000,000 5.21% 2012 Senior Notes, dated January 25, 2012, due January 25, 2022, issued by the Borrows in favor of certain purchases pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement dated January 25, 2012 by and among the Borrowers of such purchases.    $ 100,000,000   


10.

  Approximately $36.2 million in capital leases outstanding as of October 14, 2014 incurred in the ordinary course of business, including the Jonesville Capital Lease listed below    $ 36,200,000   

11.

 

Jonesville Capital Lease - BEL BTS (SC) LLC, as successor-in-interest to 3805 Jonesville, LLC, as landlord, and Belk, Inc., as tenant, are parties to that certain Lease Agreement dated February 14, 2012, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Lease Agreement dated May 1, 2012, as further amended by that certain Second Amendment to Lease Agreement effective June 1, 2013, as further amended by that certain Third Amendment to Lease Agreement dated June 4, 2014, as further amended by that certain Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement dated October 7, 2014.

  


SCHEDULE 6.1(u)

Litigation

None.


SCHEDULE 8.3

Insurance

[see attached]


SCHEDULE 10.2

Existing Liens

None.


SCHEDULE 10.3(b)

Board Approved Investment Policy

[see attached]


SCHEDULE 10.8

Transactions with Affiliates

None.