FIRST AMENDMENT

EX-10.3 4 dex103.htm MULTICURRENCY CREDIT AGREEMENT AMENDMENT DATED MARCH 18, 2005 Multicurrency Credit Agreement Amendment dated March 18, 2005

Exhibit 10.3

 

FIRST AMENDMENT

 

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT dated as of March 18, 2005 (this “Amendment”) is to the Multicurrency Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) dated as of May 28, 2004 among BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION, a Wisconsin corporation (the “Company”), various financial institutions and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Banks and the Administrative Agent have entered into the Credit Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Credit Agreement to (a) increase the amount of the Commitments; (b) add the parties listed on the signatures hereof under the heading “New Banks” (collectively the “New Banks”) as “Banks” thereunder; and (c) make certain other changes as set forth herein;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1 AMENDMENT. Effective on (and subject to the occurrence of) the Amendment Effective Date (as defined below), the Credit Agreement shall be amended as set forth below.

 

1.1 Commitments; Schedule 2.01. The aggregate amount of the Commitments is increased to $350,000,000 and Schedule 2.01 is replaced by Schedule 2.01 attached hereto.

 

1.2 Definition of LIBOR. Clauses (a) and (b) of the definition of “LIBOR” are amended to read in their entirety as follows:

 

“(a) the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate, as published by Reuters (or another commercially available source providing quotations of LIBOR designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period, or

 

(b) if the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such service or such service shall not be available, the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on such other service that displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or”

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1.3 Section 6.05. Section 6.05 is amended in its entirety to read as follows:

 

“Litigation. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, no litigation (including derivative actions), arbitration proceedings or governmental or regulatory proceedings are pending or threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is reasonably likely to be adversely determined and, if so determined, would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in Schedule 6.05. Other than any liability incident to such litigation or proceedings, the Company does not have any material contingent liabilities not provided for or disclosed in the financial statements referred to in subsection 6.10(a) which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.”

 

1.4 Schedule 11.02. Schedule 11.02 is replaced by Schedule 11.2 attached hereto.

 

SECTION 2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Company represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Banks on the Amendment Effective Date that (a) the representations and warranties made in Article VI of the Credit Agreement are true and correct on and as of the Amendment Effective Date with the same effect as if made on and as of the Amendment Effective Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly refer to an earlier date, in which case they were true and correct as of such earlier date); (b) no Event of Default or Default exists or will result from the execution and delivery of this Amendment; (c) no event or circumstance has occurred since the Closing Date that has resulted, or would reasonably be expected to result, in a Material Adverse Effect; (d) the execution and delivery by the Company of this Amendment, the execution and delivery by the Company of the New Notes (as defined below), the performance by the Company of its obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby (as so amended, the “Amended Agreement”) and under the New Notes (i) are within the corporate powers of the Company, (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company, (iii) have received all necessary governmental approval and (iv) do not and will not (x) contravene the terms of the Organization Documents of the Company, (y) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, any document evidencing any material Contractual Obligation to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or its property is subject or (z) violate any Requirement of Law applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and (e) each of the Amended Agreement and each New Note is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.

 

SECTION 3 EFFECTIVENESS. The amendments set forth in Section 1 above shall become effective on the date (the “ Amendment Effective Date”) when the Administrative Agent shall have received, (a) a counterpart of this Amendment executed by each of the parties hereto (or, in the case of any party from which the Administrative Agent has not received a counterpart hereof, facsimile confirmation of the execution of a counterpart hereof by such party) and (b) each of the following documents, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:

 

3.1 Notes. New Notes, substantially in the form of Exhibit F to the Credit Agreement, payable to the order of each Bank requesting the same pursuant to Section 2.02 of the Amended Agreement (collectively, the “New Notes”).

 

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3.2 Confirmation. A Confirmation substantially in the form of Attachment 1 hereto, signed by each Guarantor.

 

3.3 Legal Opinions. An opinion of each of (i) Foley & Lardner LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, and (ii) Patty Hanz, Esq., associate general counsel of the Company, each in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Banks.

 

3.4 Other Documents. Such other documents as the Administrative Agent or any Bank (including any New Bank) may reasonably request in connection with the Company’s authorization, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

 

SECTION 4 ADDITION OF BANKS. On the Amendment Effective Date, (a) each New Bank (i) shall deliver to the Administrative Agent immediately available funds in the amount of its Pro Rata Share (after giving effect hereto) of all outstanding Loans on such date, (ii) it shall become a “Bank” under and for all purposes of the Amended Agreement and (iii) it shall be bound by the Amended Agreement, and shall be entitled to the benefits of the Amended Agreement and each other Loan Document, as if it were an original party to the Credit Agreement; (b) each Bank (if any) that is a party to the Credit Agreement immediately prior to giving effect to this Amendment (each an “Existing Bank”) and that will have a higher Pro Rata Share after giving effect hereto shall deliver to the Administrative Agent immediately available funds in the amount required so that, upon the effectiveness hereof, it will have outstanding Loans in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of all outstanding Loans; and (c) the amount of each Bank’s Commitment and each Bank’s Pro Rata Share shall be as set forth on Schedule 2.01 hereto.

 

SECTION 5 MISCELLANEOUS.

 

5.1 Continuing Effectiveness, etc. As herein amended, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects. After the Amendment Effective Date, all references in the Credit Agreement, each other Loan Document and any related document to the “Credit Agreement” or similar terms shall refer to the Amended Agreement.

 

5.2 Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties on separate counterparts, and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same Amendment.

 

5.3 Expenses. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent (including Attorney Costs) in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

 

5.4 Governing Law. This Amendment shall be a contract made under and governed by the internal laws of the State of Illinois.

 

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5.5 Successors and Assigns. This Amendment shall be binding upon the Company, the Banks and the Administrative Agent and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company, the Banks and the Administrative Agent and the successors and assigns of the Banks and the Administrative Agent.

 

5.6 Existing Banks. Each Existing Bank represents and warrants to each New Bank (and not to any other Person) that (a) immediately prior to the effectiveness hereof, has a Commitment in the amount set forth on Annex 1 hereto is the legal and beneficial owner of all outstanding Loans made by it under the Credit Agreement, free and clear of any Lien; (b) immediately after giving effect to the effectiveness hereof (assuming that each New Bank performs its obligations hereunder), the amount of its Commitment and its Pro Rata Share shall be as set forth on Schedule 2.01; and (c) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Amendment and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby (including the reallocation of the Loans as contemplated herein). Each New Bank represents and warrants to each Existing Bank that (i) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Amendment; (ii) it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, any Existing Bank or any other New Bank; and (iii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of its obligations under the Credit Agreement. Each New Bank acknowledges and agrees that all interest accrued prior to the Amendment Effective Date is for the account of the Existing Banks.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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First Amendment to Credit Agreement

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ANNEX 1

 

PRO RATA SHARES

(prior to Amendment Effective Date)

 

Bank		Commitment
Bank of America, N.A.		$	50,000,000
M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank		$	45,000,000
LaSalle Bank National Association		$	45,000,000
U.S. Bank National Association		$	45,000,000
Associated Bank NA		$	20,000,000
The Bank of New York		$	20,000,000
National City Bank of the Midwest		$	20,000,000
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (successor by merger to Bank One, NA)		$	15,000,000
BNP Paribas		$	15,000,000
TOTAL		$	275,000,000

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SCHEDULE 2.01

 

COMMITMENTS AND PRO RATA SHARES

 

Bank		Commitment			Pro Rata Share
Bank of America, N.A.		$	58,437,500		16.70	%
LaSalle Bank, N.A.		$	54,375,000		15.54	%
US Bank, N.A.		$	53,437,500		15.27	%
M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank		$	46,875,000		13.39	%
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.		$	24,375,000		6.96	%
BNP Paribas		$	25,312,500		7.23	%
Associated Bank N.A.		$	25,625,000		7.32	%
The Bank of New York		$	25,437,500		7.27	%
National City Bank of the Midwest		$	21,125,000		6.04	%
Harris Trust and Savings Bank		$	9,375,000		2.68	%
Fifth Third Bank		$	5,625,000		1.61	%
TOTAL		$	350,000,000		100	%

 

 

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SCHEDULE 11.02

 

LENDING OFFICES; ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES

 

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION

 

12301 W. Wirth Street

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53222

Attn: Carita R. Twinem

Telephone: (414) 256-5141

Facsimile: (414) 256-1128

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and as a Bank

 

Operations Contact:

 

Attention: Sally M. Escosa

Telephone: (925) 675-8421

Facsimile: (888) 969-2637

 

Agency Management Services:

 

1455 Market Street, 5^th Floor

Mail Code: CA5-701-05-19

San Francisco, CA 94103

Attention: Robert J. Rittelmeyer

Telephone: (415) 436-2616

Facsimile: (415) 503-5099

 

Credit Contact:

 

231 South LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL 60697

Attention: Jeff Armitage

Telephone: (312) 828-3898

Facsimile: (312) 974-8811

 

 

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ASSOCIATED BANK NA

 

Operations Contact:

 

2870 Holmgren Way

Green Bay, WI 54304

Attention: Kathy Carter

Telephone: (920) 405-2847

Facsimile: (920) 405-2798

 

Credit Contact:

 

401 E. Kilbourn Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Attention: Daniel Holzhauer

Telephone: (414) 283-2361

Facsimile: (414) 283-2300

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

 

Operations Contact:

 

131 S. Dearborn Street

Chicago, IL 60603

Attention: Leah A. Banks

Telephone: (312) 732-8918

Facsimile: (312) 732-2245

 

Credit Contact:

 

111 E. Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Attention: Jack West

Telephone: (414) 765-2613

Facsimile: (414) 765-2625

 

 

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BNP PARIBAS

 

Operations Contact:

 

919 Third Avenue

3^rd Floor

New York, New York 10022

Attention: Gabriel Candamo

Telephone: (212) 471-6626

Facsimile: (212) 471-6695

 

Credit Contact:

 

209 S. LaSalle Street

Suite 500

Chicago, IL 60604

Attention: Curt Price

Telephone: (312) 977-2232

Facsimile: (312) 977-1380

 

LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

Operations Contact:

 

411 E. Wisconsin Avenue

#1250

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Attention: Beth Potrykos

Telephone: (414) 319-3314

Facsimile: (414) 224-0071

 

Credit Contact:

 

411 E. Wisconsin Avenue

Suite 1250

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Attention: Jon Huitink

Telephone: (414) 319-3317

Facsimile: (414) 224-0071

 

 

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M&I MARSHALL & ILSLEY BANK

 

Operations Contact:

 

401 N. Executive Drive

Brookfield, WI 53005

Attention: Nenita Yumanz

Telephone: (262) 938-8675

Facsimile: (262) 938-8684

 

Credit Contact:

 

770 North Water Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Attention: Thomas Bickelhaupt

Telephone: (414) 765-7944

Facsimile: (414) 765-7625

 

NATIONAL CITY BANK OF THE MIDWEST

 

Operations Contact:

 

One NCC Parkway

Oshtemo, MI 49077

Attention: Marilyn Moore

Telephone: (269) 973-1427

Facsimile: (269) 973-2405

 

Credit Contact:

 

One North Franklin

Suite 3600

Chicago, IL 60606

Attention: Jon R. Hinard

Telephone: (312) 384-4624

Facsimile: (312) 240-0301

 

 

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THE BANK OF NEW YORK

 

Operations Contact:

 

One Wall Street, 19^th Floor

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Edgar Greaves

Telephone: (212) 635-6687

Facsimile: (212) 635-7923

 

Credit Contact:

 

1 Wall Street, 19^th Floor

New York, NY 10286

Attention: Mark Wrigley

Telephone: (212) 635-6867

Facsimile: (212) 635-1208

 

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

 

Operations Contact:

 

400 City Center

Oshkosh, WI 54901

Attention: Connie Sweeney

Telephone: (920) 237-7604

Facsimile: (920) 237-7993

 

Credit Contact:

 

777 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Attention: Sandra J. Hartay

Telephone: (414) 765-6004

Facsimile: (414) 765-5367

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HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK

 

Operations Contact:

 

111 W. Monroe

Chicago, IL 60603

Attention: Ellen Dancer

Telephone: (312) 461-2587

Facsimile: (312) 461-8344

 

Credit Contact:

 

111 W. Monroe

Chicago, IL 60603

Attention: George Dluhy

Telephone: (312) 461-7788

Facsimile: (312) 461-2591

 

FIFTH THIRD BANK

 

Operations Contact:

 

38 Fountain Square Plaza

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Attention: Teresa Weyer

Telephone: (513) 534-6293

Facsimile: (513) 534-5947

 

Credit Contact:

 

38 Fountain Square Plaza

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Attention: Ann-drea Burns

Telephone: (616) 550-4700

Facsimile: (513) 534-5947

 

 

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ATTACHMENT 1

 

CONFIRMATION

 

Dated as of March 18, 2005

 

To:		Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and
		the Banks under the Credit Agreement referred to below

 

Please refer to (a) the Multicurrency Credit Agreement dated as of May 28, 2004 (the “Credit Agreement”) among Briggs & Stratton Corporation (the “Company”), various financial institutions, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent; (b) the First Amendment dated as of March 18, 2005 (the “Amendment”), amending the Credit Agreement to, among other things, add additional “Banks” as parties thereto; and (c) the Guaranty dated as of May 28, 2004 (the “Guaranty”) issued by the undersigned (it being understood that Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc. became a party thereto on February 11, 2005). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Amendment.

 

Each of the undersigned hereby confirms to the Administrative Agent and the Banks (including the New Banks) that (a) after giving effect to the Amendment and the transactions contemplated thereby, the Guaranty continues in full force and effect and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of such undersigned, enforceable against such undersigned in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability; and (b) all references in the Guaranty to the “Credit Agreement” shall be deemed to be references to the Credit Agreement as amended by the Amendment.

 

 

First Amendment to Credit Agreement