CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER CAPITAL, INC. AND THE GUARANTORS

EX-4.2 4 dex42.htm INDENTURE, MAY 20, 2004 Indenture, May 20, 2004

Exhibit 4.2

 

EXECUTION COPY

 

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER COMPANY LLC

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER CAPITAL, INC.

 

AND

 

THE GUARANTORS

 

10¾% SENIOR SECURED DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2009

 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of May 20, 2004

 

The Bank of New York

 

Trustee

 


CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

 

Trust Indenture

Act Section


  

Indenture

Section


310(a)(1)

   7.10

      (a)(2)

   7.10

      (a)(3)

   N.A.

      (a)(4)

   N.A.

      (a)(5)

   7.10

      (b)

   7.08, 7.10, 12.02

      (c)

   N.A.

311(a)

   7.11

      (b)

   7.11

      (c)

   N.A.

312(a)

   2.05

      (b)

   12.03

      (c)

   12.03

313(a)

   7.06

      (b)(1)

   7.06

      (b)(2)

   7.06

      (c)

   7.06, 12.02

      (d)

   7.06

314(a)

   4.03, 4.04, 12.02

      (b)

   N.A.

      (c)(1)

   12.04

      (c)(2)

   12.04

      (c)(3)

   12.04

      (d)

   10.05

      (e)

   12.05

      (f)

   N.A.

315(a)

   7.01

      (b)

   7.05, 12.02

      (c)

   7.01

      (d)

   7.01

      (e)

   6.11

316(a) (last sentence)

   2.09

      (a)(1)(A)

   6.05

      (a)(1)(B)

   6.04

      (a)(2)

   N.A.

 


      (b)

   6.07

      (c)

   9.04

317(a)(1)

   6.08

      (a)(2)

   6.09

      (b)

   2.04

318(a)

   12.01

      (b)

   N.A.

      (c)

   12.01

 

N.A. means not applicable.


* This Cross Reference Table is not part of this Indenture.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

ARTICLE 1     
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION     
BY REFERENCE     

SECTION 1.01

   DEFINITIONS    1

SECTION 1.02

   OTHER DEFINITIONS    24

SECTION 1.03

   INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF TRUST INDENTURE ACT    25

SECTION 1.04

   RULES OF CONSTRUCTION    25
ARTICLE 2     
THE NOTES     

SECTION 2.01

   FORM AND DATING    26

SECTION 2.02

   EXECUTION AND AUTHENTICATION    27

SECTION 2.03

   REGISTRAR AND PAYING AGENT    27

SECTION 2.04

   PAYING AGENT TO HOLD MONEY IN TRUST    28

SECTION 2.05

   HOLDER LISTS    28

SECTION 2.06

   TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE    28

SECTION 2.07

   REPLACEMENT NOTES    42

SECTION 2.08

   OUTSTANDING NOTES    42

SECTION 2.09

   TREASURY NOTES    43

SECTION 2.10

   TEMPORARY NOTES    43

SECTION 2.11

   CANCELLATION    43

SECTION 2.12

   DEFAULTED INTEREST    43

SECTION 2.13

   CUSIP NUMBERS    44
ARTICLE 3     
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT     

SECTION 3.01

   NOTICES TO TRUSTEE    44

SECTION 3.02

   SELECTION OF NOTES TO BE REDEEMED    44

SECTION 3.03

   NOTICE OF REDEMPTION    45

SECTION 3.04

   EFFECT OF NOTICE OF REDEMPTION    46

SECTION 3.05

   DEPOSIT OF REDEMPTION PRICE    46

SECTION 3.06

   NOTES REDEEMED IN PART    46

SECTION 3.07

   OPTIONAL REDEMPTION    46

SECTION 3.08

   MANDATORY REDEMPTION    47

SECTION 3.09

   OFFER TO PURCHASE BY APPLICATION OF EXCESS PROCEEDS    47

 

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     Page

ARTICLE 4     
COVENANTS     

SECTION 4.01

   PAYMENTS ON NOTES    49

SECTION 4.02

   MAINTENANCE OF OFFICE OR AGENCY    49

SECTION 4.03

   REPORTS    50

SECTION 4.04

   COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE    50

SECTION 4.05

   TAXES    51

SECTION 4.06

   STAY, EXTENSION AND USURY LAWS    51

SECTION 4.07

   RESTRICTED PAYMENTS    51

SECTION 4.08

   DIVIDEND AND OTHER PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS AFFECTING RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES    54

SECTION 4.09

   INCURRENCE OF ADDITIONAL INDEBTEDNESS AND ISSUANCE OF PREFERRED STOCK    56

SECTION 4.10

   ASSET SALES    59

SECTION 4.11

   TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES    61

SECTION 4.12

   LIENS    62

SECTION 4.13

   BUSINESS ACTIVITIES    63

SECTION 4.14

   CORPORATE EXISTENCE    63

SECTION 4.15

   OFFER TO REPURCHASE UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL    63

SECTION 4.16

   IMPAIRMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST    65

SECTION 4.17

   LIMITATION ON SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS    66

SECTION 4.18

   LIMITATION ON ISSUANCES AND SALES OF EQUITY INTERESTS IN WHOLLY OWNED RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES    66

SECTION 4.19

   LIMITATION ON GUARANTEES OF INDEBTEDNESS BY RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES    66

SECTION 4.20

   DESIGNATION OF RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES    67

SECTION 4.21

   RESTRICTIONS ON ACTIVITIES OF CAPITAL    67

SECTION 4.22

   PAYMENTS FOR CONSENT    67

SECTION 4.23

   ADDITIONAL GUARANTEES    67

SECTION 4.24

   LIQUIDATED DAMAGES NOTICE    68
ARTICLE 5     
SUCCESSORS     

SECTION 5.01

   MERGER, CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF ASSETS    68

SECTION 5.02

   SUCCESSOR CORPORATION SUBSTITUTED    70

 

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     Page

ARTICLE 6     
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES     

SECTION 6.01

   EVENTS OF DEFAULT    70

SECTION 6.02

   ACCELERATION    72

SECTION 6.03

   OTHER REMEDIES    73

SECTION 6.04

   WAIVER OF PAST DEFAULTS    73

SECTION 6.05

   CONTROL BY MAJORITY    73

SECTION 6.06

   LIMITATION ON SUITS    74

SECTION 6.07

   RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF NOTES TO RECEIVE PAYMENT    74

SECTION 6.08

   COLLECTION SUIT BY TRUSTEE    74

SECTION 6.09

   TRUSTEE MAY FILE PROOFS OF CLAIM    74

SECTION 6.10

   PRIORITIES    75

SECTION 6.11

   UNDERTAKING FOR COSTS    75
ARTICLE 7     
TRUSTEE     

SECTION 7.01

   DUTIES OF TRUSTEE    76

SECTION 7.02

   RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE    77

SECTION 7.03

   INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OF TRUSTEE    78

SECTION 7.04

   TRUSTEE’S DISCLAIMER    78

SECTION 7.05

   NOTICE OF DEFAULTS    78

SECTION 7.06

   REPORTS BY TRUSTEE TO HOLDERS OF THE NOTES    79

SECTION 7.07

   COMPENSATION AND INDEMNITY    79

SECTION 7.08

   REPLACEMENT OF TRUSTEE    80

SECTION 7.09

   SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE BY MERGER, ETC.    81

SECTION 7.10

   ELIGIBILITY; DISQUALIFICATION    81

SECTION 7.11

   PREFERENTIAL COLLECTION OF CLAIMS AGAINST ISSUERS    81
ARTICLE 8     
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE     

SECTION 8.01

   OPTION TO EFFECT LEGAL DEFEASANCE OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE    81

SECTION 8.02

   LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND DISCHARGE    81

SECTION 8.03

   COVENANT DEFEASANCE    82

SECTION 8.04

   CONDITIONS TO LEGAL OR COVENANT DEFEASANCE    82

SECTION 8.05

   DEPOSITED MONEY AND GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TO BE HELD IN TRUST; OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS    84

 

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     Page

SECTION 8.06

   REPAYMENT TO ISSUERS    84

SECTION 8.07

   REINSTATEMENT    85

SECTION 8.08

   SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE    85
ARTICLE 9     
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER     

SECTION 9.01

   WITHOUT CONSENT OF HOLDERS OF NOTES    86

SECTION 9.02

   WITH CONSENT OF HOLDERS OF NOTES    87

SECTION 9.03

   COMPLIANCE WITH TRUST INDENTURE ACT    88

SECTION 9.04

   REVOCATION AND EFFECT OF CONSENTS    88

SECTION 9.05

   NOTATION ON OR EXCHANGE OF NOTES    89

SECTION 9.06

   TRUSTEE TO SIGN AMENDMENTS, ETC.    89
ARTICLE 10     
COLLATERAL AND SECURITY DOCUMENTS     

SECTION 10.01

   SECURITY DOCUMENTS; ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL    89

SECTION 10.02

   RECORDING, ETC.    90

SECTION 10.03

   RELEASE OF COLLATERAL/INTERCREDITOR AND SUBORDINATION AGREEMENTS    92

SECTION 10.04

   TAKING AND DESTRUCTION    96

SECTION 10.05

   TRUST INDENTURE ACT REQUIREMENTS    96

SECTION 10.06

   SUITS TO PROTECT THE COLLATERAL    96

SECTION 10.07

   PURCHASER PROTECTED    96

SECTION 10.08

   POWERS EXERCISABLE BY RECEIVER OR TRUSTEE    97

SECTION 10.09

   DETERMINATIONS RELATING TO COLLATERAL    97

SECTION 10.10

   RELEASE UPON TERMINATION OF THE COMPANY’S OBLIGATIONS    97

SECTION 10.11

   LIMITATION ON DUTY OF TRUSTEE IN RESPECT OF COLLATERAL    98

SECTION 10.12

   SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT    98
ARTICLE 11     
GUARANTEES     

SECTION 11.01

   GUARANTEES    99

SECTION 11.02

   [RESERVED]    100

SECTION 11.03

   LIMITATION ON GUARANTOR LIABILITY    100

SECTION 11.04

   EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF GUARANTEE    100

SECTION 11.05

   GUARANTORS MAY CONSOLIDATE, ETC., ON CERTAIN TERMS    101

SECTION 11.06

   RELEASES FOLLOWING SALE OF ASSETS    101

 

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     Page

ARTICLE 12     
MISCELLANEOUS     

SECTION 12.01

   TRUST INDENTURE ACT CONTROLS    102

SECTION 12.02

   NOTICES    102

SECTION 12.03

   COMMUNICATION BY HOLDERS OF NOTES WITH OTHER HOLDERS OF NOTES    103

SECTION 12.04

   CERTIFICATE AND OPINION AS TO CONDITIONS PRECEDENT    104

SECTION 12.05

   STATEMENTS REQUIRED IN CERTIFICATE OR OPINION    104

SECTION 12.06

   RULES BY TRUSTEE AND AGENTS    104

SECTION 12.07

   NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF MANAGERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, STOCKHOLDERS AND MEMBERS    104

SECTION 12.08

   GOVERNING LAW    105

SECTION 12.09

   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    105

SECTION 12.10

   NO ADVERSE INTERPRETATION OF OTHER AGREEMENTS    105

SECTION 12.11

   SUCCESSORS    105

SECTION 12.12

   SEVERABILITY    105

SECTION 12.13

   COUNTERPART ORIGINALS    105

SECTION 12.14

   TABLE OF CONTENTS, HEADINGS, ETC.    105

SECTION 12.15

   FORCE MAJEURE    106
ARTICLE 13     
TRUST MONIES     

SECTION 13.01

   TRUST MONIES    106

SECTION 13.02

   INVESTMENT OF TRUST MONIES    106

 

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A1

   FORM OF NOTE

Exhibit A2

   FORM OF REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE

Exhibit B

   FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Exhibit C

   FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

Exhibit D

   FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR

Exhibit E

   FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE

Exhibit F

   FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE TO BE DELIVERED BY GUARANTORS

Exhibit G

   INCUMBENCY CERTIFICATE

Schedule 1

   SCHEDULE OF GUARANTORS

 

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INDENTURE, dated as of May 20, 2004, among Consolidated Container Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), Consolidated Container Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Capital,” and together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors set forth on Schedule I hereto and The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

The Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of 10 ¾% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2009 (the “Notes”):

 

ARTICLE 1

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION

BY REFERENCE

 

Section 1.01 Definitions.

 

144A Global Note” means a global note substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount at maturity of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.

 

Accreted Value” means, as of any date (the “Specified Date”), the amount provided below for each $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the Notes:

 

(A) (1) if the Specified Date occurs on one of the following dates (each, a “Semi-Annual Accretion Date”), the Accreted Value will equal the amount set forth below for such Semi-Annual Accretion Date:

 

Semi-Annual Accretion Date


   Accreted Value

Issue Date

   $ 725.13

June 15, 2004

   $ 730.42

December 15, 2004

   $ 769.68

June 15, 2005

   $ 811.05

December 15, 2005

   $ 854.65

June 15, 2006

   $ 900.59

December 15, 2006

   $ 948.99

June 15, 2007

   $ 1,000.00

 

(2) if the Specified Date occurs between two Semi-Annual Accretion Dates, the sum of (a) the Accreted Value for the Semi-Annual Accretion Date immediately preceding the Specified Date and (b) an amount equal to the product of (i) the Accreted Value for the immediately following Semi-Annual Accretion Date less the Accreted Value of the immediately preceding Semi-Annual Accretion Date and (ii) the fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days actually elapsed from the immediately preceding Semi-Annual Accretion Date and the denominator of which is 180; or

 


(3) if the Specified Date is on or after June 15, 2007, unless the Cash Election Date has occurred on or prior to December 15, 2006, $1,000.

 

(B) For the purposes hereof, if the Issuers elect to commence to accrue cash interest prior to June 15, 2007, all references in this document to Accreted Value in respect of any Note shall be equal to the Accreted Value on the Cash Election Date determined in accordance with clause (A)(1) above.

 

Acquired Debt” means, with respect to any specified Person (i) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into, or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of, such specified Person and (ii) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

 

Additional Notes” means up to an Accreted Value at issuance of $50.0 million of Notes (other than the Initial Notes) issued under this Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.02 and 4.09 hereof, as part of the same series as the Initial Notes.

 

Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise. For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, co-registrar, authenticating agent or securities custodian.

 

Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of or for beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream that apply to such transfer or exchange.

 

Asset Sale” means (a) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or rights, other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices; provided that the sale, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions of Section 4.15 hereof and/or the provisions of Section 5.01 hereof and not by the provisions of Section 4.10 hereof and (b) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests by any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the preceding, the following items shall not be deemed to be Asset Sales: (i) any single transaction or series of related transactions that involves assets having a fair market value of less than $2.0 million, (ii) a transfer of assets between or among the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (iii) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to another Restricted Subsidiary, (iv) the sale or lease of equipment, inventory, accounts receivable or other assets in the ordinary course of business, (v) the sale or other disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities, (vi) a Restricted

 

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Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted by Section 4.07 hereof, (vii) any exchange or asset swap of like property (pursuant to Section 1031 of the Code or otherwise) for use in a Permitted Business, (viii) any sale-leaseback or asset securitization by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to property built or acquired by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, (ix) foreclosures on assets, (x) any sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary and (xi) any sale of accounts receivable, or participations therein, in connection with any Qualified Receivables Transaction.

 

Attributable Debt” in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means, at the time of determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended. The present value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar state law for the relief of debtors.

 

Bank Lenders” means the lenders under the Credit Facilities and/or their Affiliates.

 

Beneficial Owner” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition. The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” shall have a corresponding meaning.

 

Board of Directors” means, (i) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation, (ii) with respect to a partnership, the Board of Directors of the general partner of the partnership, (iii) with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person serving a similar function and (iv) any properly authorized committee of any of the foregoing.

 

Broker-Dealer” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Business Day” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

 

Capital” means Consolidated Container Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any or all successors thereto.

 

Cash Election Date” means, if the Issuers elect to commence accruing cash interest before June 15, 2007, the Interest Payment Date immediately preceding the first cash interest payment date.

 

Capital Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Capital Stock” means, (i) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock, (ii) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents, however designated, of corporate stock, (iii) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests, whether general or limited and whether with or without liquidation preference or other preferred or special rights and (iv) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

 

Cash Equivalents” means: (i) United States dollars (and foreign currency exchanged into United States dollars within 180 days), (ii) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof—provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof—having maturities of not more than six months from the date of acquisition, (iii) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding six months and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any lender party to the Credit Agreement or with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and a Thompson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better, (iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (ii) and (iii) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (iii) above, (v) commercial paper having a rating no lower than “A-2” from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or “P2” from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”) and in each case maturing within twelve months after the date of acquisition, (vi) money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (i) through (v) of this definition, (vii) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States or any political subdivision thereof having one of the two highest rating categories obtainable from either Moody’s or S&P and (viii) Indebtedness or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A-2” or higher from Moody’s.

 

Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, S.A.

 

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole or the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) other than a Principal or a Related Party of a Principal, (ii) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Issuers, (iii) the Company becomes aware (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) of the consummation of any transaction, including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation, the result of which is that any “person” (as defined above), other than the Principals and their Related Parties, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Equity Securities of one of the Issuers or of Holdings, measured by voting power rather than number of shares or (iv) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Management Committee of the Company are not Continuing Managers.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

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Collateral” shall mean all property (whether real or personal) with respect to which any security interests or liens have been granted (or purported to be granted) pursuant to any Security Document, including, without limitation, each Security Document delivered pursuant to Section 10.01 hereof.

 

Collateral Agent” means, (a) initially, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas for the benefit of the Secured Creditors under the Security Documents and, in the case of the Mortgages, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, for the benefit of the Senior Second Lien Notes Creditors (as defined in the Mortgage), or any Affiliate thereof to the extent acting as mortgagee for the Senior Second Lien Notes Creditors pursuant to any Mortgage in respect of real property owned or leased by the Issuers and/or their Subsidiaries located in the State of Alabama, (b) any subsequent collateral agent appointed by the Company pursuant to Section 10.12 hereof.

 

Company” means Consolidated Container Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and any and all successors thereto.

 

Consolidated Cash Flow” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus (i) an amount equal to any extraordinary loss plus any net loss realized by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale, to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (ii) provision for taxes based on income or profits or the Tax Amount of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes or Tax Amount was included in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iii) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized (including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations), to the extent that any such expense was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (iv) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of goodwill and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, plus (v) any fees, expenses or charges related to any Equity Offering, Permitted Investment, acquisition or recapitalization or Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Indenture, whether or not successful, and fees, expenses or charges related to the transactions contemplated by the Contribution and Merger Agreement, including fees to Vestar, plus (vi) the amount of non-recurring charges, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the date of this Indenture, deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus (vii) the amount of any minority interest expense deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income, plus (viii) the amount of management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees paid to the Principals during such period not to exceed $1.0 million during any four quarter period, minus (ix) non-cash items increasing the Consolidated

 

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Net Income for such period, other than the accrual of revenue in the ordinary course of business, in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP. Notwithstanding the preceding, the provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses of, a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow of the Company only to the extent that a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended to the Company by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior governmental approval, that has not been obtained, and without direct or indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders.

 

Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, less the amount of Tax Distributions made by such Person (and plus any refund amount received by the Company in respect of any Tax Distribution previously paid), on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that: (i) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to such specified Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof, (ii) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval, that has not been obtained, or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived, (iii) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded, (iv) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be excluded, whether or not distributed to the specified Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (v) the net after-tax extraordinary gains or losses, less all fees and expenses related thereto, shall be excluded, (vi) any increase in the cost of sales or other incremental expenses resulting from purchase accounting in relation to any acquisition, net of taxes, shall be excluded, (vii) any net after-tax income (loss) from discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of discontinued operations shall be excluded, (viii) any net after-tax gains or losses, less all fees and expenses relating thereto, attributable to asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by the Company, shall be excluded, (ix) except for purposes of calculating the amount of Restricted Payments that may be made pursuant to Section 4.07(c), any amount paid or accrued as dividends on Preferred Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary owned by Persons other than the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall be excluded, (x) charges relating to the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 shall be excluded and (xi) all compensation expense resulting from the forgiveness of the exercise price of employee stock options and compensation expense resulting from the grant of employee stock options having an exercise price below the fair market value thereof shall be excluded.

 

Continuing Managers” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Management Committee of the Company who (i) was a member of such Management Committee on the date of this Indenture or (ii) was nominated for election or elected to such Management

 

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Committee with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Managers who were members of such Committee at the time of such nomination or election.

 

Contribution and Merger Agreement” means the Contribution and Merger Agreement, dated as of April 29, 1999, among Suiza Foods Corporation (known as Dean Foods Company as of the Issue Date), Franklin Plastics, Inc., Plastic Containers Holding, Inc., the companies owned by Suiza identified therein, Vestar Packaging LLC, Reid Plastics Holdings, Inc., the companies owned by Reid identified therein, Holdings and the Company, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the Contribution and Merger Agreement, dated June 28, 1999.

 

Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” shall be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 12.02 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Issuers.

 

Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, by and among Holdings, the Company, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto, together with the related documents thereto, including, without limitation, any guarantee agreements and security documents, in each case as such agreements may be amended, including any amendment and restatement thereof, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement extending the maturity of, Refinancing, replacing or otherwise restructuring, including increasing the amount of available borrowings thereunder or adding Subsidiaries of the Company as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder, all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

 

Credit Facilities” means, one or more debt facilities, including, without limitation, the Credit Agreement, or commercial paper facilities, in each case with banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing, including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables, swingline loans or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or Refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.

 

Custodian” means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Notes in global form, or any successor entity thereto.

 

Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

 

Definitive Note” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued or transferred to or exchanged for such Holder in accordance with Section 2.06 hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto.

 

Depositary” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.03 hereof as the Depositary with respect to the

 

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Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture.

 

Designated Preferred Stock” means preferred stock of the Company, other than Disqualified Stock, that is issued for cash, other than to a Restricted Subsidiary, and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate, on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in Section 4.07(c) hereof.

 

Destructionmeans any damage to, loss or destruction of all or any portion of the Collateral.

 

Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case at the option of the holder thereof, or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Notes mature; provided that if such Capital Stock is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by any plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company or such Subsidiary in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s death or disability. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that the Company may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.07 hereof.

 

Domestic Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that was formed under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or that guarantees or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company.

 

Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock, but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.

 

Equity Offering” means an offering of the Equity Interests, other than Disqualified Stock, of the Company or Holdings, other than (i) public offerings with respect to the Equity Interests registered on Form S-8 and (ii) any such offering of Equity Interests the proceeds of which have been designated by the Company as an Excluded Contribution.

 

Euroclear” means Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Brussels office, as operator of the Euroclear system.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Exchange Notes” means the Notes issued in the Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.06(f) hereof.

 

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Exchange Offer” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Exchange Offer Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Excluded Contributions” means the net cash proceeds received by the Company after the date of this Indenture from (i) contributions to its common equity capital and (ii) the sale, other than to a Subsidiary or to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, of Capital Stock, other than Disqualified Stock, of the Company, in each case designated within 60 days of the receipt of such net cash proceeds as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in Section 4.07(c) hereof.

 

Existing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, in existence on the date of this Indenture, until such amounts are repaid.

 

First-Lien Obligations” means Obligations under the Credit Facilities and the Hedging Obligations permitted thereunder, and certain additional Indebtedness and Obligations that may be incurred in the future in compliance with the terms of this Indenture (including Indebtedness and Obligations incurred pursuant to clause (xv) of the second paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof and clause (xviii) of the definition of “Permitted Liens”) to the extent such Indebtedness is secured by first-priority Liens on the Collateral.

 

First-Lien Obligations Termination Date” means that date upon which all First-Lien Obligations (other than those arising from indemnities for which no request has been made) have been paid in full in cash and all commitments and letters of credit constituting First-Lien Obligations have been terminated.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any specified Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period. In the event that the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, Guarantees, repays, repurchases or redeems any Indebtedness, other than ordinary working capital borrowings, or issues, repurchases or redeems preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of preferred stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period. In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, (i) Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, discontinued operations, mergers and consolidations that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations and including any related financing transactions, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference

 

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period and on or prior to the Calculation Date shall be given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period and Consolidated Cash Flow for such reference period shall be calculated on a pro forma basis as determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company, (ii) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, (iii) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date and (iv) if since the beginning of such period any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, discontinued operation, merger or consolidation that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, discontinued operation, merger or consolidation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.

 

Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of (i) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued, including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the Transactions, the Notes and the Credit Agreement and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations related to Indebtedness, plus (ii) the consolidated interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period, plus (iii) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon, plus (iv) the product of (a) all cash dividend payments or other distributions, and non-cash dividend payments in the case of a Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary, on any series of preferred equity of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, times (b) (x) if such Person is not a taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, one, and (y) if such Person is a taxable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, expressed as a decimal, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect on the date of this Indenture. For the purposes of this Indenture, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person shall mean such Person consolidated with its Restricted Subsidiaries and shall not include any Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

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Global Notes” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto issued, transferred or exchanged, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.06(b)(iv), 2.06(d)(ii) or 2.06(f) hereof.

 

Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(ii) hereof, which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.

 

Government Securities” means direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America, and the payment for which the United States pledges its full faith and credit.

 

Guarantee” means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including, without limitation, letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness.

 

Guarantors” means each subsidiary that executes a Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and their respective successors and assigns.

 

Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person under (i) interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements and (ii) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange or commodity prices.

 

Holder” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.

 

Holdings” means Consolidated Container Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the parent of the Company.

 

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, in respect of (i) borrowed money, (ii) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments, (iii) representing Capital Lease Obligations, (iv) the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable, (v) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, bankers’ acceptance or similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations described in clauses (1) through (4) above) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the tenth Business Day following payment on the letter of credit) or (vi) representing any Hedging Obligations relating to Indebtedness, if and to the extent any of the preceding items, other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations, would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term “Indebtedness” includes all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person, and, to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any indebtedness of any other Person. The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be (i) the accreted value thereof, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original

 

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issue discount and (ii) the principal amount at maturity thereof, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

 

Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including, for all purposes of this Indenture and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the TIA that are deemed to be a part of and govern this indenture, respectively.

 

Indirect Participant” means a Person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note through a Participant.

 

Initial Purchaser” means Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.

 

Initial Notes” means the first $207.0 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of Notes issued under this Indenture on the Issue date.

 

Institutional Accredited Investor” means an institution that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act, who are not also QIBs.

 

Interest Payment Date” means June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 2004.

 

Investment Grade Securities” means (i) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof, other than Cash Equivalents, (ii) debt securities or debt instruments with a rating of BBB- or higher by S&P or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s or the equivalent of such rating by such rating organization, or, if no rating of S&P or Moody’s then exists, the equivalent of such rating by any other nationally recognized securities rating agency, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances between and among the Company and its Subsidiaries and (iii) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (i) and (ii), which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment and/or distribution.

 

Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such Person in other Persons, including Affiliates, in the forms of loans, including Guarantees or other obligations, advances or capital contributions, excluding accounts receivable, trade credit, advances to customers, commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business, purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.07 hereof. The acquisition by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of a Person that holds an Investment in a third Person shall be deemed to be an Investment by the Company or such Subsidiary in such third Person in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Investment

 

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held by the acquired Person in such third Person in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.07 hereof.

 

Issue Date” means May 20, 2004, the date of original issuance of the Initial Notes.

 

Issuers” means the Company and Capital.

 

Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York or at a place of payment are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue on such payment for the intervening period.

 

Letter of Transmittal” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Issuers and sent to all Holders of the Notes for use by such Holders in connection with the Exchange Offer.

 

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code, or equivalent statutes, of any jurisdiction; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

 

Liquidated Damages” means all Liquidated Damages, if any, then owing pursuant to Section 4 of the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Management Agreement” means the management agreement among the Company, Consolidated Container Holdings and Vestar Capital Partners entered into on April 29, 1999, relating to the management of the Company and Consolidated Container Holdings, as amended pursuant to an Amendment dated September 1, 2003, and as further amended from time to time, so long as such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect as compared to the Management Agreement as existing on the Issue Date.

 

Management Committee” means (i) for so long as the Company is a limited liability company, the Management Committee of the Company, or the Management Committee of Holdings if acting on behalf of the Company and (ii) otherwise the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Mortgages” means each mortgage or deed of trust entered into as of the Issue Date (as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended or replaced from time to time) by Holdings, the Company or its domestic Subsidiaries (as mortgagor or grantor) and the Collateral Agent (as mortgagee or beneficiary) for the benefit of the Notes Secured Creditors, and each additional mortgage or deed of trust executed after the Issue Date in accordance with the provisions of Sections 10.01 and 10.02, which shall be substantially in the form of the mortgages and deeds of trust executed on the Issue Date, with such changes thereto as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

 

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Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of dividends on preferred interests, excluding, however, (i) any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes or Tax Distributions on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with (a) any Asset Sale or (b) the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries plus (ii) any extraordinary gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes or Tax Distributions on such extraordinary gain (but not loss).

 

Net Insurance Proceeds” means the insurance proceeds (excluding liability insurance proceeds payable to the trustee for any loss, liability or expense incurred by it and excluding the proceeds of business interruption insurance) or condemnation awards actually received by Holdings, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as a result of the Destruction or Taking of all or any portion of the Collateral, net of (i) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and fees relating to such Taking or Destruction (including, without limitation, expenses of attorneys and insurance adjusters) and (ii) repayment of Indebtedness that is secured by the property or assets that are the subject of such Taking or Destruction; provided that, in the case of any Destruction or Taking involving Collateral, the Lien securing such Indebtedness constitutes a Lien permitted by this Indenture to be prior to the Lien granted to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Notes Secured Creditors pursuant to the Security Documents.

 

Net Proceeds” means the total cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale, including, without limitation, any cash received upon the subsequent sale or other disposition of any noncash consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of the noncash consideration, including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes or Tax Distributions paid or payable as a result thereof, in each case, after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements, and amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness, other than First-Lien Obligations under the Credit Agreement, secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of the Asset Sale and any reserve established in accordance with GAAP for adjustment in respect of any liabilities associated with such asset or assets and retained by the Company after the sale or other disposition thereof, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

 

Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness: (i) as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness), (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise or (c) constitutes the lender, (ii) no default with respect to which, including any rights that the holders thereof may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary, would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Indebtedness (other than the Notes) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity and (iii) as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they

 

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will not have any recourse to the stock or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.

 

Notes” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Indenture. The Initial Notes and the Additional Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture.

 

Notes Secured Creditors” means, collectively, the Trustee and the Holders.

 

Obligations” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

 

Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary or any Vice President of such Person.

 

Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Issuers by two Officers of the Issuers, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Issuers, that meets the requirements of Section 12.05 hereof.

 

Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee, that meets the requirements of Section 12.05 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuers, any Subsidiary of either of the Issuers or the Trustee.

 

Participant” means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively (and, with respect to DTC, shall include Euroclear and Clearstream).

 

Permitted Agreements” means (i) the Supply Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1999, between Holdings and Suiza Foods Corporation (known as Dean Foods Company as of the Issue Date), (ii) the Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1999, among Holdings, the Company and Reid Plastics Holdings, (iii) the Registration Rights Agreement entered into among Holdings, Reid Plastic Holdings and the holders of member units in Holdings, in substantially the form which is an exhibit to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Holdings and (iv) the Trademark License Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1999, among the Company, Holdings and Continental Can Company, Inc.

 

Permitted Business” means any of the lines of business conducted by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the date hereof and any business similar, ancillary or related thereto or that constitutes a reasonable extension or expansion thereof, including the Company’s existing and future technology, trademarks and patents.

 

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Permitted Investments” means (i) any Investment in the Company or in a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) any Investment in Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities, (iii) any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a Person, if as a result of such Investment (a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, (iv) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made under and in compliance with Section 4.10 hereof, (v) any Investments the payment for which solely consists of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company, provided that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 4.07(c) hereof, (vi) Hedging Obligations, (vii) other Investments in any Person other than Holdings or an Affiliate of Holdings that is not also a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company having a total fair market value (measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (vii) that are at the time outstanding not to exceed $15.0 million, (viii) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having a total fair market value not to exceed at any one time outstanding $15.0 million, measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value, (ix) any Investment existing on the date of this Indenture, (x) advances to employees and officers not in excess of $10.0 million in the total outstanding at any one time, (xi) any Investment acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable or (b) as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default, (xii) any Investment in a Permitted Business, other than an Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary, having a total fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (xii) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed $15.0 million at the time of such Investment, measured on the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value, (xiii) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted by and made in accordance with clauses (vii) and (xiii) of the second paragraph of Section 4.11 hereof, (xiv) Investments consisting of the licensing or contribution of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons, (xv) Investments consisting of purchase and acquisitions of inventory, supplies, materials and equipment or licenses or leases of intellectual property, in any case, in the ordinary course of business and (xvi) Investments by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in a Receivables Subsidiary or any Investment by a Receivables Subsidiary in any other Person, in each case, in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction.

 

Permitted Liens” means (i) Liens securing the Notes and the Guarantees in an aggregate principal amount at maturity not to exceed $207.0 million, (ii) Liens securing First-Lien Obligations under the Credit Facilities (including, without limitation, with respect to letters of credit issued thereunder and guarantees thereunder), so long as the principal amount of the Indebtedness thereunder was incurred pursuant to, and in compliance with, clause (i) of the second paragraph in Section 4.09 hereof, (iii) Liens in favor of the Issuers or any Guarantor on the property or assets, or any proceeds, income or profit therefrom, of any Restricted Subsidiary; provided

 

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that such Liens are either junior in priority to the Liens securing the Notes or are not secured by Collateral, (iv) Liens securing Acquired Indebtedness incurred in reliance on Section 4.09 hereof; provided that such Liens do not extend to or cover any property or assets of the Company or of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than the property or assets that secured the Acquired Indebtedness prior to the time such Indebtedness became Acquired Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (and any proceeds thereof), (v) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (and any proceeds thereof), provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such acquisition, (vi) Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business, (vii) Liens to secure Indebtedness, including Capital Lease Obligations, permitted by clause (iv) of the second paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof, covering only the assets acquired with such Indebtedness (and any proceeds thereof), (viii) Liens issued in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company regarding obligations that do not exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding, (ix) Liens existing on the Issue Date, together with any Liens securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred in reliance on, and in compliance with, clause (v) of the second paragraph of Section 4.09 in order to Refinance the Indebtedness secured by Liens; provided that the Liens securing the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be of equal or lesser priority than, and not extend to property other than that pledged under, the Liens securing the Indebtedness being Refinanced, (x) Liens securing Hedging Obligations permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (vii) of the second paragraph of Section 4.09, (xi) Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded; provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be required in accordance with GAAP shall have been made therefor, (xii) judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as such Lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been properly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not have been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated shall not have expired, (xiii) Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods, (xiv) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, suppliers, materialmen, repairmen and other Liens imposed by law issued in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith, if such reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof, (xv) Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) issued or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of Social Security, including any Lien securing letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in connection therewith, (xvi) Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory, regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements, including rights of offset and set off, (xvii) Liens on assets of a Receivables Subsidiary arising in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction and (xviii) Liens securing Indebtedness and related Obligations incurred pursuant to, and in compliance with, clause (xv) of the second paragraph of Section 4.09 (which may include First Lien Obligations (including additional

 

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Credit Facilities or (increases in Credit Facilities), Acquired Indebtedness and Attributable Indebtedness), Additional Notes or any Subordinated Obligation).

 

Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, Refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than intercompany Indebtedness; provided that (i) the principal amount, or accreted value, if applicable, of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount, or accreted value, if applicable, of the Indebtedness so extended, Refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded, plus all accrued interest thereon and the amount of all expenses and premiums incurred in connection therewith, and with such Refinancing, (ii) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, Refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded, (iii) if the Indebtedness being extended, Refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being extended, Refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded and (iv) such Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the Restricted Subsidiary who is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, Refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded.

 

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or other entity.

 

Principals” means Vestar and its Affiliates, and Dean Foods Company and its Affiliates.

 

Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(i) hereof to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture.

 

Purchase Agreement” means the Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2004, by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchaser.

 

Purchase Money Note” means a promissory note evidencing a line of credit, or evidencing other Indebtedness owed to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction, which note shall be repaid from cash available to the maker of such note, other than amounts required to be established as reserves pursuant to agreement, amounts paid to investors in respect of interest, principal and other amounts owing to such investors and amounts paid in connection with the purchase of newly generated receivables.

 

QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

 

Qualified Receivables Transaction” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to which the

 

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Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to (i) a Receivables Subsidiary (in the case of a transfer by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary) and (ii) any other Person, in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Subsidiary, or may grant a security interest in, any accounts receivable, whether now existing or arising in the future, of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and any asset related thereto, including, without limitation, all collateral securing such accounts receivable, and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets that are customarily transferred, or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted, in connection with an asset securitization transaction involving accounts receivable.

 

Receivables Subsidiary” means a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, other than a Guarantor, that engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of accounts receivables and that is designated by the Management Committee of the Company (as provided below) as a Receivables Subsidiary and as long as (i) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other Obligations, contingent or otherwise, of which (a) is guaranteed by the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary, excluding guarantees of obligations, other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness, pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings, (b) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings or (c) subjects any property or asset of the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings, (ii) with which neither the Company nor any other Restricted Subsidiary has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding, except in connection with a Purchase Money Note or Qualified Receivables Transaction, other than on terms no less favorable to the Company or such other Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company, other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business in connection with servicing accounts receivable and (iii) to which neither the Company nor any other Restricted Subsidiary has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve a specified level of operating results. Any such designation by the Management Committee of the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying, to the best of such officer’s knowledge and belief after consulting with counsel, that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.

 

Refinance” means, in respect of any security or Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease, replace or retire, or to issue a security or Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such security or Indebtedness in whole or in part. “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings. A Refinancing shall not be required to take place simultaneously with the repayment in full and/or termination of commitments in respect of the Indebtedness being Refinanced, so long as the net proceeds of such Refinancing are irrevocably committed to such repayment in full and/or termination of commitments.

 

Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2004, by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchaser, as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and, with respect to any Additional Notes, one or more registration rights agreements between the Issuers and the other parties thereto, as such agreement(s) may be amended, modified or supplemented from

 

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time to time, relating to rights given by the Issuers to the purchasers of Additional Notes to register such Additional Notes under the Securities Act.

 

Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Regulation S Global Note” means a Regulation S Temporary Global Note or Regulation S Permanent Global Note, as appropriate.

 

Regulation S Permanent Global Note” means a permanent global Note in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount at maturity of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note upon expiration of the Restricted Period.

 

Regulation S Temporary Global Note” means a temporary global Note in the form of Exhibit A2 hereto bearing the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount at maturity of the Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.

 

Related Party” means (i) any controlling stockholder, 80% (or more) owned Subsidiary, or immediate family member, in the case of an individual, of any Principal, (ii) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or Persons beneficially holding an 80% or more controlling interest; or (iii) any limited partner or general partner.

 

Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee (or any successor to the Trustee) including any vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

 

Restricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

 

Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

 

Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

 

Restricted Period” means the 40-day restricted period as defined in Regulation S.

 

Restricted Subsidiary” of a Person means any Subsidiary of the referent Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

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Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Rule 903” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated the Securities Act.

 

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Security Agreement” means the security agreement, dated as of the Issue Date (as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended or replaced from time to time), among Holdings, the Company and its domestic subsidiaries, as Assignors, and the Collateral Agent.

 

Security Documents” means, collectively, (i) the Security Agreement, (ii) the Mortgages and (iii) all other security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debt, pledges, collateral assignments and other agreements or instruments evidencing or creating any security interest or Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders in any or all of the Collateral.

 

Shelf Registration Statement” means the Shelf Registration Statement as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement

 

Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated under to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date of this Indenture.

 

Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that are reasonably customary in an accounts receivable transaction.

 

Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which such payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, and shall not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

 

Subordinated Obligation” means (i) with respect to the Company, any Indebtedness of the Company (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter incurred) which is expressly subordinate in right of payment to the Notes, pursuant to a written agreement, or is unsecured and (ii) with respect to a Guarantor, any Indebtedness of such Guarantor (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter incurred) which is expressly subordinate in right of payment to the Guarantee of such Guarantor, pursuant to a written agreement.

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person (i) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled, without regard to the occurrence of any contingency, to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled by such Person or one or

 

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more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person, or a combination thereof and (ii) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of which are such Person or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or any combination thereof.

 

Tax Amount” means (i) for so long as Holdings is a pass-through entity for income tax purposes and the sole asset of Holdings is its membership interest in the Company (and prior to any distribution of any Tax Amount, the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate to such effect), the tax amount that Holdings is required to distribute to its members pursuant to Section 6.4 of its Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as in effect on the date of this Indenture, or (ii) if Holdings holds other assets in addition to its member interest in the Company, the tax amount that Holdings is required to distribute to its members pursuant to Section 6.4 of its Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement less any amounts for taxes related to assets other than the membership interests in the Company or (iii) if Holdings is no longer a pass-through entity for income tax purposes, the combined federal, state and local income taxes that would be paid by the Company if it were a separate entity and a Delaware corporation filing separate tax returns with respect to its Taxable Income for such period; provided, however, that in determining the Tax Amount, the effect thereon of any net operating loss carryforwards or other carryforwards or tax attributes, such as alternative minimum tax carryforwards, that would have arisen if the Company were a Delaware corporation shall be taken into account. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, for purposes of this clause (iii), Tax Amount shall not include taxes resulting from the Company’s reorganization as or change in the status to a corporation.

 

Tax Distribution” means a distribution in respect of taxes to the members of the Company pursuant to clause (vii) of the second paragraph of Section 4.07 hereof.

 

Taxable Income” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the hypothetical taxable income or loss of such Person for such period for federal income tax purposes computed on the hypothetical assumption that such Person is a separate entity and a Delaware corporation.

 

TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date on which this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, except as provided in Section 9.03 hereof.

 

Total Assets” means the total consolidated assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Company.

 

Trustee” means the party named as such in the recitals hereto until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

 

Trust Monies” means all cash and Cash Equivalents received by the Trustee, net of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and fees (including, without limitation, expenses of attorneys) (i) upon the release of Collateral, except pursuant to an Asset Sale and (ii) pursuant to the Security Documents.

 

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Unrestricted Definitive Note” means one or more Definitive Notes that do not bear and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

Unrestricted Global Note” means a permanent global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 attached hereto that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary, representing a series of Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company, other than Capital or any successor to Capital, that is designated by the Management Committee of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary (i) has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt, (ii) is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company, (iii) is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results, (iv) has not guaranteed or otherwise provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and (v) has at least one director on its Board of Directors that is not a director or executive officer of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and has at least one executive officer that is not a director or executive officer of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries. Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by Section 4.07 hereof. If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of this Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under Section 4.09 hereof, the Company shall be in default of such covenant. The Management Committee of the Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such designation shall be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation shall only be permitted if (i) such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 4.09 hereof, calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period; and (ii) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.

 

U.S. Person” means a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902(o) under the Securities Act.

 

Vestar” means Vestar Capital Partners, a New York general partnership and any Affiliate thereof.

 

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Voting Equity Interests” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time, or would be if such Person were a Delaware corporation, entitled to vote in the election of the Management Committee, Board of Directors or other governing body of such Person.

 

Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (x) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (y) the number of years, calculated to the nearest one-twelfth, that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment, by (b) the then outstanding principal amount at maturity of such Indebtedness.

 

Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary” of any specified Person means a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which, other than directors’ qualifying shares, shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

Section 1.02 Other Definitions.

 

Other terms not defined above have the definitions ascribed to them in the corresponding section below.

 

Term


   Defined in
Section


“Acceleration Notice”

   6.02

“Affiliate Transaction”

   4.11

“Alternate Offer”

   4.15

“Asset Sale Offer”

   3.09

“Authentication Order”

   2.02

“Change of Control Offer”

   4.15

“Change of Control Payment”

   4.15

“Change of Control Payment Date”

   4.15

“Covenant Defeasance”

   8.03

“DTC”

   2.03

“Event of Default”

   6.01

“Excess Proceeds”

   4.10

“incur”

   4.09

“Legal Defeasance”

   8.02

“Offer Amount”

   3.09

“Offer Period”

   3.09

“Paying Agent”

   2.03

“Payment Default”

   6.01

“Permitted Debt”

   4.09

“Purchase Date”

   3.09

 

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Term


   Defined in
Section


“Refunding Equity Interests”

   4.07

“Registrar”

   2.03

“Restricted Payments”

   4.07

“Retired Equity Interests”

   4.07

 

Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.

 

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.

 

The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:

 

“indenture securities” means the Notes and the Guarantees;

 

“indenture security Holder” means a Holder of a Note;

 

“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture;

 

“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee; and

 

“obligor” on the Notes and the Guarantees means the Issuers and the Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Guarantees, respectively.

 

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.

 

Section 1.04 Rules of Construction.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) a term has the meaning assigned to it;

 

(b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

 

(c) “or” is not exclusive;

 

(d) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;

 

(e) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and

 

(f) references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement of successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time.

 

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ARTICLE 2

 

THE NOTES

 

Section 2.01 Form and Dating.

 

(a) General. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially as set forth in the form of Exhibit A1 or Exhibit A2 hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be in denominations of $1,000 principal amount at maturity and integral multiples thereof.

 

The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture and the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

 

(b) Global Notes. Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibits A1 or A2 attached hereto, as applicable (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 attached hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Each Global Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount at maturity of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount at maturity of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount at maturity of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with written instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.06 hereof.

 

(c) Temporary Global Notes. Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Trustee, at its New York office, as Custodian for the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream Bank, duly executed by the Issuers and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The Restricted Period shall be terminated upon the receipt by the Trustee of (i) a written certificate from the Depositary, together with copies of certificates from Euroclear and Clearstream Bank certifying that they have received certification of non-United States beneficial ownership of 100% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note (except to the extent of any beneficial owners thereof who acquired an interest therein during the Restricted Period pursuant to another exemption from registration under the Securities Act and who will take delivery of a beneficial ownership interest in a 144A Global Note bearing a Private Placement Legend, all as contemplated by Section

 

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2.06(a)(ii) hereof), and (ii) an Officers’ Certificate from the Issuers. Following the termination of the Restricted Period, beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in Regulation S Permanent Global Notes pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. Simultaneously with the authentication of Regulation S Permanent Global Notes, the Trustee shall cancel the Regulation S Temporary Global Note. The aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, in connection with transfers of interest as hereinafter provided.

 

(d) Euroclear and Clearstream Procedures Applicable. The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream Bank” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream Bank shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Notes that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream Bank.

 

Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication.

 

One Officer shall sign the Notes for each of the Issuers by manual or facsimile signature.

 

If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be valid.

 

A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee. The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.

 

The Trustee shall, upon a written order of the Issuers signed by an Officer (an “Authentication Order”), authenticate (i) Notes for original issue on the Issue Date up to the aggregate principal amount at maturity of $207.0 million, (ii) Additional Notes for original issue subsequent to the Issue Date up to the aggregate Accreted Value at issuance of $50.0 million and (iii) Exchange Notes when issued. The aggregate principal amount at maturity of Notes outstanding at any time may not exceed $207.0 million, except (x) for Additional Notes issued in compliance with this Indenture and (y) as provided in Section 2.07 hereof.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Issuers to authenticate the Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate the Notes whenever the Trustee may or has been directed to do so by the Issuers. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of the Issuers.

 

Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent.

 

The Issuers shall maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“Paying Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Issuers may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying

 

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Agent” includes any additional paying agent. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to any Holder. The Issuers shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Issuers fail to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar. The Issuers initially appoint The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

 

The Issuers initially appoint the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

 

Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

 

The Issuers shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of Accreted Value of, premium, if any, or Liquidated Damages, if any, or interest on the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuers in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Issuers at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money. If the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Issuers, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

 

Section 2.05 Holder Lists.

 

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee at least seven Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of Notes and the Issuers shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a).

 

Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange.

 

(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. All Global Notes will be exchanged by the Issuers for Definitive Notes if (i) the Issuers deliver to the Trustee notice from the Depositary that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary or that it is no longer a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Issuers within 120 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary or (ii) the Issuers in their sole discretion determines that the Global Notes (in whole

 

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but not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and delivers a written notice to such effect to the Trustee; provided that in no event shall the Regulation S Temporary Global Note be exchanged by the Issuers for Definitive Notes prior to (x) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(c)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act. Upon the occurrence of either of the preceding events in (i) or (ii) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10 hereof. Every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c) or (f) hereof.

 

(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures, as applicable. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

 

(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.06(b)(i).

 

(ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.06(b)(i) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either (A) (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase or (B) (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions

 

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given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (1) above provided that in no event shall Definitive Notes be issued upon the transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note prior to (x) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903 under the Securities Act. Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Issuers in accordance with Section 2.06(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(ii) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount at maturity of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof.

 

(iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:

 

(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note or the Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof.

 

(iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in the Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) above and:

 

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

 

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

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(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

 

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

 

(1) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or

 

(2) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

 

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

 

If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount at maturity equal to the aggregate principal amount at maturity of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.

 

Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.

 

(c) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.

 

(i) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

 

(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a

 

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certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;

 

(B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

 

(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

 

(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable;

 

(F) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or

 

(G) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

 

the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount at maturity. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.

 

(ii) Beneficial Interests in Regulation S Temporary Global Note to Definitive Notes. Notwithstanding Sections 2.06(c)(i)(A) and (C) hereof, a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or

 

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transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note prior to (x) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(c)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.

 

(iii) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:

 

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of such beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

 

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

 

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

 

(1) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or

 

(2) if the Holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

 

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

 

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(iv) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(ii) hereof, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount at maturity. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests.

 

(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

 

(A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof;

 

(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

 

(D) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;

 

(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B)

 

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through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable;

 

(F) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or

 

(G) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

 

the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount at maturity of, in the case of clause (A) above, the appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the 144A Global Note, in the case of clause (C) above, the Regulation S Global Note, and in all other cases.

 

(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if:

 

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

 

(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

 

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

 

(1) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or

 

(2) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such

 

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Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

 

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

 

Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.06(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Unrestricted Global Note.

 

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount at maturity of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.

 

If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest is effected pursuant to subparagraphs (ii)(B), (ii)(D) or (iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount at maturity equal to the principal amount at maturity of Definitive Notes so transferred.

 

(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e).

 

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(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:

 

(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

 

(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and

 

(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

 

(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if:

 

(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a broker-dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers;

 

(B) any such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(C) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or

 

(D) the Registrar receives the following:

 

(1) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or

 

(2) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

 

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests, an Opinion of counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuers to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and

 

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that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

 

(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.

 

(f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount at maturity equal to the principal amount at maturity of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (x) they are not broker-dealers, (y) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (z) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Issuers, and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount at maturity.

 

(g) Legends. The following legends shall appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Indenture.

 

(i) Private Placement Legend.

 

(A) Except as permitted by subparagraph (B) below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT), (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (C) IT IS AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (AN “ACCREDITED INVESTOR”), (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT WITHIN TWO YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF

 

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THIS SECURITY RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS SECURITY EXCEPT (A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR THAT, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISHES (OR HAS FURNISHED ON ITS BEHALF BY A U.S. BROKER-DEALER) TO THE TRUSTEE A SIGNED LETTER CONTAINING CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY (THE FORM OF WHICH LETTER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE FOR THIS SECURITY), (D) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), (E) PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), (F) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL IF THE COMPANY SO REQUESTS), OR (G) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SECURITY IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY WITHIN TWO YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THIS SECURITY, IF THE PROPOSED TRANSFEREE IS AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR, THE HOLDER MUST, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISH TO THE TRUSTEE AND THE COMPANY SUCH CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS EITHER OF THEM MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANING GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”

 

(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(iv), (c)(iii), (c)(iv), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) to this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

 

(ii) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THIS INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

 

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EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07 OF THIS INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THIS INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THIS INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS.

 

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE ISSUERS OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.”

 

(iii) Regulation S Temporary Global Note Legend. The Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THIS INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN). NEITHER THE HOLDER NOR THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE PAYMENT OF INTEREST HEREON.”

 

(h) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount at maturity of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be

 

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made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

 

(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

 

(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuers shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon the Issuers’ order or at the Registrar’s request.

 

(ii) No service charge shall be made to a holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuers may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.06, 3.09, 4.10, 4.15 and 9.05 hereof).

 

(iii) The Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of or exchange any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

 

(iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuers, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

 

(v) The Issuers shall not be required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the mailing of a notice of Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part or (C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.

 

(vi) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Issuers may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Issuers shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

(vii) The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.

 

(viii) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile.

 

(ix) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable

 

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law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Depositary Participants or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

 

Section 2.07 Replacement Notes.

 

If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Issuers and the Trustee receives evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Issuers shall issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements are met. An indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Issuers to protect the Issuers, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Issuers and the Trustee may charge the Holder requesting such replacement Note for its expenses in replacing a Note.

 

Every replacement Note is an obligation of the Issuers as if issued in place of such replaced Note and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

 

Section 2.08 Outstanding Notes.

 

The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.09 hereof, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuers or an Affiliate of the Issuers holds the Note unless such Note has been retired pursuant to Section 2.11 hereof; provided however, Notes held by the Issuers or a Subsidiary of the Issuers shall not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of Section 3.07(b) hereof.

 

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.

 

If the Accreted Value of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01 hereof, it shall cease to be outstanding and principal shall cease to accrete and interest on it shall cease to accrue.

 

If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Restricted Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any thereof) holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such Notes shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrete principal and to accrue interest.

 

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Section 2.09 Treasury Notes.

 

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount at maturity of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent hereunder, Notes owned by the Issuers, or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Issuers, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in conclusively relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.

 

Section 2.10 Temporary Notes.

 

Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuers may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the Issuers considers appropriate for temporary Notes and as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuers shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.

 

Holders of temporary Notes shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture.

 

Section 2.11 Cancellation.

 

The Issuers at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of the Notes in accordance with its customary procedures (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act). The Issuers may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest.

 

If the Issuers default in a payment of interest on the Notes, they shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. The Issuers shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment. The Issuers shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date, provided that no such special record date shall be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Issuers (or, upon the written request of the Issuers, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuers) shall mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

 

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Section 2.13 CUSIP Numbers.

 

The Company in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.

 

In the event that the Issuers shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate any Additional Notes pursuant to this Indenture, the Issuers shall use their best efforts to obtain the same CUSIP number for such Additional Notes as is printed on the Notes outstanding at such time; provided, however, that if any series of Additional Notes is determined, pursuant to an Opinion of Counsel, to be a different class of security than the Notes outstanding at such time for federal income tax purposes, the Issuers may obtain a CUSIP number for such series of Additional Notes that is different from the CUSIP number printed on the Notes then outstanding.

 

ARTICLE 3

 

REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

 

Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee.

 

If the Issuers elect to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07 hereof, it shall furnish to the Trustee, not less than 45 days but not more than 90 days before a redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth (i) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the principal amount at maturity of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price (based on Accreted Value).

 

Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.

 

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or purchased in an offer to purchase at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed or purchased among the Holders of the Notes in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or in accordance with any other method the Trustee considers fair and appropriate provided, that if less than all of the Notes are redeemed or purchased pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, then the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed or purchased among the Holders of the Notes on a pro rata basis or on as nearly a pro rata basis as is practicable subject to DTC procedures. In the event of partial redemption by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 90 days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption.

 

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuers in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption, the principal amount at maturity

 

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thereof to be redeemed. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.

 

Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 3.09 hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Issuers shall mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address The notice shall identify the Notes (including CUSIP numbers) to be redeemed and shall state:

 

(a) the redemption date;

 

(b) the redemption price;

 

(c) if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the Accreted Value of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in Accreted Value equal to the unredeemed portion shall be issued upon cancellation of the original Note; provided, that each such new Note shall be denominated in a principal amount at maturity of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof;

 

(d) the name and address of the Paying Agent;

 

(e) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

 

(f) that, unless the Issuers default in making such redemption payment, principal shall cease to accrete and interest on Notes called for redemption shall cease to accrue on and after the redemption date;

 

(g) the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption being redeemed; and

 

(h) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.

 

At the Issuers’ request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuers’ name and at its expense; provided, however, that the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least 45 days prior to the redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph.

 

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Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption.

 

Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price. A notice of redemption may not be conditional.

 

Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption Price.

 

One Business Day prior to the redemption date, the Issuers shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on all Notes to be redeemed on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Issuers any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuers in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued interest on, all Notes to be redeemed.

 

If the Issuers comply with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption date, principal shall cease to accrete and interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption. If a Note is redeemed on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption because of the failure of the Issuers to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof.

 

Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed in Part.

 

Upon surrender and cancellation of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuers shall issue and, upon the Issuers’ written request, the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuers a new Note equal in Accreted Value to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered; provided, that each such new Note shall be denominated in a principal amount at maturity of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof.

 

Section 3.07 Optional Redemption.

 

(a) Except as set forth in clause (b) of this Section 3.07, the Issuers shall not have the option to redeem the Notes pursuant to this Section 3.07 prior to June 15, 2007. On or after June 15, 2007, the Issuers may redeem all or part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 90 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of Accreted Value) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the periods indicated below:

 

Year


   Percentage

 

From June 15, 2007 through June 14, 2008

   105.375 %

From June 15, 2008 through November 14, 2008

   102.688 %

November 15, 2008 and thereafter

   100.0000 %

 

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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) of this Section 3.07, at any time prior to June 15, 2007, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the total principal amount at maturity of Notes issued under this Indenture at a redemption price of 110.750% of the Accreted Value thereof, plus accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings of the Company (or of Holdings to the extent such proceeds are contributed to the Company); provided that (i) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of Notes issued under this Indenture remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries) and (ii) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.

 

(c) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.

 

Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption.

 

The Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

Section 3.09 Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds.

 

In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, the Issuers shall be required to commence an offer to all Holders to purchase Notes (an “Asset Sale Offer”), it shall follow the procedures specified below.

 

The Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the “Offer Period”). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “Purchase Date”), the Issuers shall purchase the Accreted Value of Notes required to be purchased pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof (the “Offer Amount”) or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered in response to the Asset Sale Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made in the same manner as interest payments are made.

 

If the Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest shall be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

 

Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Issuers shall send, by first class mail, a notice to the Trustee and each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee. The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer. The Asset Sale Offer shall be made to all Holders. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, shall state:

 

(a) that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 4.10 hereof and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer shall remain open;

 

(b) the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;

 

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(c) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest;

 

(d) that, unless the Issuers default in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease to accrete principal and accrue interest after the Purchase Date;

 

(e) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer may elect to have Notes purchased in integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount at maturity only;

 

(f) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Issuers, a depositary, if appointed by the Issuers, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least three Business Days before the Purchase Date;

 

(g) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Issuers, the depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration of the Offer Period, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount at maturity of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;

 

(h) that, if the aggregate Accreted Value of Notes surrendered by Holders exceeds the Offer Amount, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the Accreted Value of the Notes tendered (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Issuers so that only Notes in denominations of $1,000 principal amount at maturity, or integral multiples thereof, shall be purchased); and

 

(i) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount at maturity to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer).

 

On or before the Purchase Date, the Issuers shall, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered, and shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Issuers in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.09. The Issuers, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly (but in any case not later than five Business Days after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Issuers for purchase, and the Issuers shall promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon written request from the Issuers shall authenticate and mail or deliver such new Note to such Holder, in Accreted Value equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the Issuers to the Holder thereof. The Issuers shall publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on the Purchase Date.

 

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Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09, any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.

 

ARTICLE 4

 

COVENANTS

 

Section 4.01 Payments on Notes.

 

The Issuers shall duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Issuers in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due. The Issuers shall pay all Liquidated Damages, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; they shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.

 

The Issuers shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuers in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuers shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

The Issuers may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuers of their obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York for such purposes. The Issuers shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

 

The Issuers hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Issuers in accordance with Section 2.03 hereof.

 

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Section 4.03 Reports.

 

(a) Whether or not required by the SEC, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Issuers shall furnish to the Holders of Notes, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations, (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file such forms, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Company’s certified independent accountants and (ii) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports. In addition, following consummation of the Exchange Offer contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement, whether or not required by the SEC, the Issuers shall file a copy of all such information and reports referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request. In addition, the Issuers and the Guarantors have agreed that, for so long as any Notes (but not Exchange Notes) remain outstanding, they shall furnish to the Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

 

(b) If the Company has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by the preceding paragraph shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Company.

 

(c) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuers’ compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

 

Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate.

 

(a) The Issuers and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the TIA), shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Issuers and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether the Issuers have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Issuers have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and are not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Issuers are taking or propose to take with respect

 

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thereto) and that to the best of his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of or interest, if any, on the Notes is prohibited or if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the Issuers are taking or propose to take with respect thereto.

 

(b) The Issuers shall, so long as any of the Notes are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee,, as soon as possible, and in any event within five days forthwith upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Issuers are taking or propose to take with respect thereto.

 

Section 4.05 Taxes.

 

The Issuers shall pay, and shall cause each of their Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

 

Section 4.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.

 

The Issuers and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent permitted by applicable law) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and each of the Issuers and each of the Guarantors (to the extent permitted by applicable law) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it shall not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

Section 4.07 Restricted Payments.

 

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of the Company’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Company’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company); (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company; (iii) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, in each case, prior to its scheduled maturity date or due date, any Indebtedness that is a Subordinated Obligation, except (a) a mandatory sinking fund payment or a payment of interest (other than scheduled interest payments) or principal that is paid within one year prior to the Stated Maturity of such Subordinated Obligation or (b) Indebtedness permitted under clause (vi) of the second paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof or (iv) make any Restricted

 

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Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as “Restricted Payments”), unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:

 

(a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof; and

 

(b) the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof; and

 

(c) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of this Indenture (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), (vi), (vii), (viii), (xi), (xiv) and (xv) of the next succeeding paragraph) is less than the sum, without duplication, of (i) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) from the Issue Date to the end of the Company’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit), plus (ii) 100% of the aggregate net proceeds, including cash and the fair market value of property other than cash, received by the Company after the date of this Indenture as a contribution to its common equity capital or from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the issue or sale of convertible or exchangeable Disqualified Stock or convertible or exchangeable debt securities of the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Equity Interests (or Disqualified Stock or debt securities) sold to a Subsidiary of the Company), plus (iii) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made after the date of this Indenture is sold or otherwise liquidated or repaid, the aggregate amount received in cash and the fair market value of property other than cash received with respect to such Restricted Investment, plus (iv) in case any Unrestricted Subsidiary has been redesignated a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, transfers or conveys assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, the fair market value of such Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable), after deducting any Indebtedness associated with the Unrestricted Subsidiary so designated or combined or with the assets so transferred or conveyed.

 

The foregoing provisions shall not prohibit (i) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at said date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture, (ii) the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition of any Subordinated Obligations of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or of any Equity Interests (the “Retired Equity Interests”) of the Company in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of, Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the

 

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Company (the “Refunding Equity Interests”), provided that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause (c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph, (iii) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Retired Equity Interests out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary) of Refunding Equity Interests, provided that the amount of any such proceeds that are utilized for any such dividends shall be excluded from clause (c)(ii) of the preceding paragraph, (iv) the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Obligations of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary with the net cash proceeds from an incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, (v) the payment of any dividend by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis, (vi) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interests of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company held by any future, present or former member of the Company’s (or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’) management or any director, employee or consultant of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to any management equity subscription agreement or stock option agreement or by any employee upon retirement of such employee, provided that the aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired Equity Interests shall not exceed in any calendar year $5.0 million (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to the following proviso) of $10.0 million in any calendar year), provided further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by any amount not to exceed (y) the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests of the Company (or of Holdings that are contributed to the Company) to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company and its Subsidiaries or the Principals and/or any of the other shareholders of Holdings as of the Issue Date that occurs after the date of this Indenture (provided that such proceeds have not been included for the purpose of determining whether a previous Restricted Payment was permitted pursuant to the preceding paragraph) plus (z) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of this Indenture, (vii) so long as the Company is a limited liability company treated as a partnership or an entity disregarded as separate from its owner for federal and state income tax purposes (and prior to any distribution of any Tax Amount, the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate to such effect), distributions to members of the Company in an amount not to exceed the Tax Amount with respect to the Company for such period, (viii) the making of distributions, loans or advances to Holdings in order to permit Holdings to pay the ordinary operating expenses of Holdings (including, without limitation, directors’ fees, indemnification obligations, professional fees and expenses), (ix) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued or incurred in accordance with Section 4.09 hereof, (x) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock, provided that for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available preceding the date of declaration of any such dividend or distribution, after giving effect to such dividend or distribution as a Fixed Charge on a pro forma basis, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.0 to 1.0, (xi) the repurchase of (or a dividend or distribution to fund the repurchase of) Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options, (xii) so long as

 

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no Default (except for any Default set forth in Section 6.01(c) or (g) hereof) has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, the payment of dividends on the Company’s common Equity Interests (or the payment to Holdings to fund the payment by Holdings of dividends on Holdings’ common Equity Interests) following the first public offering of common Equity Interests of the Company or Holdings, as the case may be, after the date of this Indenture, of up to 6% per annum of the net proceeds received by the Company or contributed to the Company by Holdings, as the case may be, in such public offering, (xiii) the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition for value (or dividend or distribution to fund the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition) of Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company in existence on the date of this Indenture and that are not held by the Principals or any of their Related Parties on the date of this Indenture (including any Equity Interests issued in respect of such Equity Interests as a result of a stock split, recapitalization, merger, combination, consolidation or otherwise, but excluding any management equity plan or stock option plan or similar agreement), provided that (a) the aggregate amounts paid under this clause (xiii) shall not exceed $20.0 million at any time after the Issue Date and (b) with respect to amounts paid under this clause (xiii) in an aggregate amount in excess of $7.5 million since the Issue Date, after giving effect thereto, the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof, (xiv) Investments that are made with Excluded Contributions and (xv) so long as no Default (except for any Default set forth Section 6.01(c) or (g) hereof) has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby, other Restricted Payments in an aggregate principal amount at maturity not to exceed $7.5 million.

 

The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued to or by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this Section 4.07 shall be determined by the Management Committee whose resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee. The Management Committee determination must be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if the fair market value exceeds $5.0 million. Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by this Section 4.07 were computed, together with a copy of any fairness opinion or appraisal required by this Indenture.

 

Accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 4.07; provided, in each such case, that the amount thereof is included in Fixed Charges of the Company as accrued.

 

Section 4.08 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction

 

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on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or pay any indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (c) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

However, the preceding restrictions will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) the Credit Facilities as in effect on the Issue Date, (ii) contractual encumbrances or restrictions as in effect on the Issue Date, including pursuant to Existing Indebtedness, (iii) this Indenture and the Notes, the Exchange Notes, the Guarantees and the Security Documents, (iv) applicable law or regulation, (v) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired, (vi) customary provisions in leases entered into in the ordinary course of business, (vii) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that impose restrictions on the property so acquired of the nature described in clause (c) of the preceding paragraph, (viii) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of assets, including, without limitation customary restrictions with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary that restricts distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition, (ix) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are no more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced, (x) Liens securing Indebtedness that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Lien, (xi) provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements, assets sale agreements, stock sale agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xii) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xiii) other Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.09 hereof, (xiv) any encumbrance or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of the preceding paragraph imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or Refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (i) through (xiii) above, provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or Refinancings are (in the good faith judgment of the Management Committee) no more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in such contracts, instruments or obligations prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or Refinancing, (xv) any agreement relating to a sale and leaseback transaction or Capital Lease Obligation, but only on the property subject to such transaction or Capital Lease Obligation and only to the extent that such restrictions or encumbrances are customary with respect to a sale and leaseback transaction or Capital Lease Obligation, (xvi) any encumbrance or restriction that will not in the aggregate cause the Issuers not to have the funds necessary to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, and First-Lien Obligations, (xvii) the subordination in right of payment of any intercompany obligations

 

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between the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries to any unsubordinated Indebtedness; provided that any such intercompany obligations are subordinated to the Notes to at least the same extent as such intercompany obligations are subordinated to the other unsubordinated Indebtedness, (xviii) restrictions in any agreement with a non-Affiliate minority stockholder of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary requiring the consent of such minority shareholder to the payment of dividends, the payment of any Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary, the making of loans or advances or the transfer of assets by such Restricted Subsidiary which require that such payments or transfers be made on a pro rata basis or (xix) any other agreement, instrument or document relating to Indebtedness other than Subordinated Obligations hereafter in effect, provided that the terms and conditions of such encumbrances or restrictions are not more restrictive than those encumbrances or restrictions imposed as part of the First-Lien Obligations under the Credit Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date.

 

Section 4.09 Incurrence of Additional Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.

 

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise (collectively, “incur”), with respect to any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt), and the Company shall not issue any Disqualified Stock and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors to issue any shares of preferred stock; provided, however, that the Issuers and the Guarantors may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue Disqualified Stock, and the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors may incur Acquired Debt (provided that such Acquired Debt was not incurred in contemplation of or in connection with such Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company), if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or preferred stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or the preferred stock or Disqualified Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

 

The provisions of the first paragraph of this Section 4.09 shall not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “Permitted Debt”):

 

(i) the incurrence by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities in a total principal amount at any one time outstanding under this clause (i) not to exceed $265.0 million outstanding at any one time less (x) the amount of all mandatory repayments of term loans made under, and permanent commitment reductions made in the revolving credit portion of, First-Lien Obligations under the Credit Facilities with Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied thereto as required by Section 4.10 hereof and (y) the amount of any Indebtedness outstanding pursuant to clause (xvii) of this paragraph;

 

(ii) the incurrence by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries of the Existing Indebtedness;

 

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(iii) the incurrence by the Issuers and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the Notes and the related Guarantees to be issued on the Issue Date and the Exchange Notes and the related Guarantees to be issued pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement;

 

(iv) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings or purchase money obligations, in each case, incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the business of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, in an aggregate principal amount that, when aggregated with the principal amount at maturity of all other Indebtedness then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (iv) and including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refund, Refinance or replace any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (iv), does not exceed 15% of the Total Assets at the time of the respective incurrence;

 

(v) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to refund, Refinance or replace Indebtedness (other than intercompany Indebtedness) that was permitted by this Indenture to be incurred under the first paragraph of this Section 4.09 hereof or clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) or (xvi) of this paragraph;

 

(vi) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, provided, however, that (a) if the Issuers or any Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness and the lender is not a Guarantor, such Indebtedness must be expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the Notes, in the case of the Issuers, or the Guarantees, in the case of a Guarantor and (b)(1) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof and (2) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof, shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (vi);

 

(vii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Hedging Obligations that are incurred (a) for the purpose of fixing or hedging interest rate risk with respect to any floating rate Indebtedness that is permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be outstanding, (b) for the purpose of fixing or hedging currency exchange rate risk with respect to any currency exchanges or (c) for the purpose of fixing or hedging commodity price risk with respect to any commodity purchases;

 

(viii) the guarantee by the Issuers or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was permitted to be incurred by another provision of this Section 4.09;

 

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(ix) the accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock for purposes of this Section 4.09; provided, in each such case, that the amount thereof is included in Fixed Charges of the Company as accrued;

 

(x) the incurrence by the Company’s Unrestricted Subsidiaries of Non-Recourse Debt, provided, however, that if any such Indebtedness ceases to be Non-Recourse Debt of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such event shall be deemed to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was not permitted by this clause (x);

 

(xi) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims or self-insurance, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims or self-insurance;

 

(xii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or Capital Stock of a Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

 

(xiii) the issuance of preferred stock by any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries issued to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Equity Securities or any other event that results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of preferred stock (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case to be an issuance of such shares of preferred stock;

 

(xiv) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations in respect of performance and surety bonds and completion guarantees provided by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xv) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock not otherwise permitted under this Section 4.09 or Section 4.17 hereof in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference that, when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness and Disqualified Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (xv) does not exceed $50.0 million;

 

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(xvi) the incurrence of Acquired Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of Persons that are acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or merged into a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; provided that such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock is not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition or merger; provided further that after giving effect to such acquisition, either (a) the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 4.09 or (b) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is greater than immediately prior to such acquisition; and

 

(xvii) the incurrence of any Indebtedness by a Receivables Subsidiary that is not recourse to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than Standard Securitization Undertakings) incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction;

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09, in the event that an item of proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (i) through (xvii) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 4.09, the Company shall be permitted to classify such item of Indebtedness on the date of its incurrence, or later reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness, in any manner that complies with this Section 4.09. Indebtedness under Credit Facilities outstanding on the date on which Notes are first issued and authenticated under this Indenture shall be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on the exception provided by clause (i) of the definition of Permitted Debt.

 

The Company will not, and will not permit Capital or any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness which by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) is subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company (and Capital, if applicable) or such Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is also by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) made expressly subordinate in right of payment to the Notes or the Guarantee of such Guarantor, as the case may be, to the same extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of the Company (and Capital, if applicable) or such Guarantor, as the case may be.

 

Section 4.10 Asset Sales.

 

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless (i) the Company (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal (as determined by the Management Committee) to the fair market value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of, (ii) such fair market value is determined by the Management Committee and, in the case of Asset Sales in excess of $10.0 million, evidenced by a resolution of the Management Committee set forth in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee, (iii) at least 75% of the consideration therefor received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of (A) cash or Cash Equivalents or (B) assets to be owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and used in a Permitted Business, to the extent they are concurrently with their acquisition added to the Collateral securing the Notes, or (C) Capital Stock in one or more

 

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Persons engaged in a Permitted Business that are or thereby become Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of the Company; and (iv) to the extent Capital Stock of a Person is received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to clause (iii)(C) above, assets of such Person with a fair market value that is equal to or greater than (A) 75% of the fair market value of the Collateral that is the subject of such Asset Sale less (B) the fair market value of any consideration received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to clause (iii)(A) or (B) above are concurrently with the acquisition added to the Collateral securing the Notes. For purposes of clause (iii) above of this paragraph, each of the following shall be deemed to be cash: (a) any liabilities (as shown on the Company’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet), of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets and from which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is unconditionally released from further liability, in each case other than (i) contingent liabilities; (ii) liabilities that are secured by Liens junior to the Lien on the Collateral securing the Notes or any Guarantee; (iii) liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Guarantee; and (iv) liabilities consisting of Disqualified Stock; and, (b) any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received in that conversion) within 180 days of the closing of such Asset Sale.

 

Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, the Company may apply such Net Proceeds at its option (i) to repay First-Lien Obligations and, if the First-Lien Obligations repaid include revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto, (ii) to make an investment in properties or assets that replaces the assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale, (iii) to make capital expenditures or (iv) to make an investment in one or more businesses or to acquire other assets that are used or useful in a Permitted Business. Pending the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company may temporarily reduce revolving credit borrowings that are First-Lien Obligations, invest such Net Proceeds in Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities or otherwise invest such Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by this Indenture.

 

Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in the preceding paragraph will constitute “Excess Proceeds.” Within ten Business Days after the date on which the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Issuers shall make an Asset Sale Offer to all Holders of Notes. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of the Accreted Value plus accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of purchase, and will be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use such Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate Accreted Value of Notes tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the Accreted Value of Notes. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

 

The Issuers shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with each repurchase of Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Asset Sales provisions of this Indenture, the Issuers shall comply with the applicable securities laws and

 

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regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Asset Sale provisions of this Indenture by virtue of such conflict.

 

Section 4.11 Transactions with Affiliates.

 

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each, an “Affiliate Transaction”), unless (i) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $5.0 million, such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Subsidiary with an unrelated Person and (ii) the Company delivers to the Trustee (a) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $5.0 million, a resolution of the Management Committee set forth in an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with this covenant and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Management Committee and (b) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness to the holders of the Notes of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing.

 

The following items shall not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will not be subject to the provisions of the prior paragraph:

 

(i) any employment or consulting agreement entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent with the past practice of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary,

 

(ii) transactions between or among the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries,

 

(iii) transactions with a Person that is an Affiliate of the Company solely because the Company owns an Equity Interest in such Person,

 

(iv) payment of reasonable directors’ fees and the provision of customary indemnities to directors and officers,

 

(v) sales of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) to Affiliates of the Company,

 

(vi) Restricted Payments that are permitted by Section 4.07 hereof,

 

(vii) the payment (directly or through Holdings) of annual management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related expenses to Vestar and its Affiliates in accordance with the Management Agreement,

 

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(viii) transactions in which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of clause (i) of the preceding paragraph,

 

(ix) payments or loans to employees or consultants that are approved in good faith by a majority of the Management Committee,

 

(x) any agreement (and payments pursuant thereto) as in effect on the Issue Date (including the Permitted Agreements) or any amendment or replacement thereto (so long as such amendment or replacement is not disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect) or any transaction contemplated thereby,

 

(xi) the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of its obligations under the terms of, the Contribution and Merger Agreement, or any agreement contemplated thereunder (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the Issue Date and any similar agreements that it may enter into thereafter, provided, however, that the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of obligations under, any future amendment to any such existing agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after the Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (xi) to the extent that the terms of any such amendment or new agreement are not otherwise disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect,

 

(xii) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture that are fair to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the reasonable determination of the majority of the Management Committee or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party, and

 

(xiii) payments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the Principals made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures, which payments are approved by the majority of the Management Committee in good faith.

 

Section 4.12 Liens.

 

The Company shall not and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause to exist or become effective any Liens (other than Permitted Liens) of any kind against or upon any of their respective property or assets, or any proceeds, income or profit therefrom, which secure any Indebtedness, Attributable Debt or trade payables of the Company or a Guarantor, unless such Lien relates to assets not constituting Collateral and:

 

(i) in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Obligations of the Company or a Guarantor, the Notes are or such Guarantor’s Guarantee is, as the case may be, secured

 

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by a Lien on such property, assets, proceeds, income or profit that is senior in priority to such Liens; and

 

(ii) in all other cases, the Notes are or such Guarantor’s Guarantee is, as the case may be, equally and ratably secured by a Lien on such property, assets, proceeds, income or profit.

 

Section 4.13 Business Activities.

 

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than Permitted Businesses, except to such extent as would not be material to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

 

Section 4.14 Corporate Existence.

 

Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Issuers shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (i) their corporate or limited liability company existence, and the corporate, limited liability company or other existence of each of their Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Issuers or any such Subsidiary and (ii) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Issuers and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Issuers shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, limited liability or other existence of any of their Subsidiaries, if the Management Committee or Board of Directors, as applicable, shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuers and their Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

 

Section 4.15 Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control.

 

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Issuers shall make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 principal amount at maturity or an integral multiple thereof) of each Holder’s Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the Accreted Value thereof plus accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages, thereon, if any, to the date of purchase, the “Change of Control Payment”). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers shall mail a notice to each Holder stating:

 

(i) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.15 and that all Notes tendered will be accepted for payment;

 

(ii) the purchase price and the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);

 

(iii) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrete principal or accrue interest;

 

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(iv) that, unless the Issuers default in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrete principal or accrue interest after the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

(v) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Notes completed, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

(vi) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount at maturity of Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have the Notes purchased; and

 

(vii) that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount at maturity to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, which unpurchased portion must be equal to $1,000 in principal amount at maturity or an integral multiple thereof. The Issuers shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes in connection with a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control provisions of this Indenture, the Issuers shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.15 by virtue of such conflict.

 

(b) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuers shall, to the extent lawful, (1) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered and (3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate Accreted Value of Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Issuers. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder of Notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in Accreted Value to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered by such Holder, if any; provided, that each such new Note shall be denominated in a principal amount at maturity of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof.

 

(c) Prior to complying with any of the provisions of this Section 4.15, but in any event within 60 days following a Change of Control, the Issuers shall either:

 

(i) repay in full all outstanding First-Lien Obligations and terminate all related commitments, or

 

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(ii) obtain the requisite consents, if any, under all agreements governing outstanding First-Lien Obligations to permit the repurchase of Notes required by this Section 4.15.

 

The Issuers shall publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

 

(d) The Issuers shall first comply with Section 4.15(c) above before it shall be required to repurchase Notes pursuant to the provisions described above. The Issuer’s failure to comply with Section 4.15(c) shall (with notice and lapse of time) constitute an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(c) hereof, but shall not constitute an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(b) hereof.

 

(e) The provisions described above that require the Issuers to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control shall be applicable regardless of whether any other provisions of this Indenture are applicable. Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, this Indenture does not contain provisions that permit the Holders of the Notes to require that the Issuers repurchase or redeem the Notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.

 

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.15, the Issuers shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.15 and all other provisions of this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuers and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

 

(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer as provided above if, in connection with or in contemplation of any Change of Control, it has made an offer to purchase (an “Alternate Offer”) any and all Notes validly tendered at a cash price equal to or higher than the Change of Control Payment and has purchased all Notes properly tendered in accordance with the terms of such Alternate Offer.

 

Section 4.16 Impairment of Security Interest.

 

The Company shall not, and the Company shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, take, or knowingly omit to take, any action, which action or omission would have the effect of causing a Lien to be created in favor of the Collateral Agent or the Bank Lenders (in their respective capacities as such) on any property or assets of the type that would constitute Collateral other than Second Lien Excluded Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) unless a Lien is created in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Notes Secured Creditors with respect to such property or assets (which Lien in favor of the Notes Secured Creditors shall have the priority set forth in the Security Documents). Such Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Notes Secured Creditors shall at all times be in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and the Security Documents.

 

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Section 4.17 Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

 

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any sale and leaseback transaction; provided that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may enter into a sale and leaseback transaction if (i) the Company or that Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, could have incurred Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt relating to such sale and leaseback transaction pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof or under clause (xv) thereof, (ii) the gross cash proceeds of such sale and leaseback transaction are at least equal to the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Management Committee and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee) of the property that is the subject of that sale and leaseback transaction and (iii) the transfer of assets in that sale and leaseback transaction is permitted by, and the Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance with Section 4.10 hereof.

 

Section 4.18 Limitation on Issuances and Sales of Equity Interests in Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

The Company (i) shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, transfer, convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests in any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to any Person (other than the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company), unless the cash Net Proceeds from such transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition are applied in accordance with Section 4.10 hereof and (ii) shall not permit any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to issue any of its Equity Interests (other than, if necessary, shares of its Capital Stock constituting directors’ qualifying shares) to any Person other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, unless the cash Net Proceeds from such issuance are applied in accordance with Section 4.10 hereof.

 

Section 4.19 Limitation on Guarantees of Indebtedness by Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

The Company shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is not a Guarantor (whether formed or acquired before or after the Issue Date), directly or indirectly, by way of the pledge of any intercompany note or otherwise, to assume, guarantee or in any other manner become liable with respect to any Indebtedness of the Company unless, in any such case:

 

(i) such Restricted Subsidiary executes and delivers a supplemental Indenture to this Indenture, providing a guarantee of payment of the Notes by such Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(ii) if any such assumption, guarantee or other liability of such Restricted Subsidiary is provided in respect of Indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the Notes, the guarantee or other instrument provided by such Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Subordinated Obligation shall be subordinated to such Guarantor’s guarantee of the Notes; and

 

(iii) such Restricted Subsidiary complies with the additional requirements set forth in this Section 4.23 hereof.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Guarantee of the Notes shall provide by its terms that it shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged under the circumstances set forth in Article 11. The form of such Guarantee is attached as Exhibit E hereto.

 

Section 4.20 Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

The Management Committee may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default. If a Restricted Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the aggregate fair market value of all outstanding Investments owned by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary so designated shall be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of such designation and shall reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under the first paragraph or under clause (xiv) or (xv) of the second paragraph of Section 4.07 hereof or reduce the amount available for future Investments under one or more clauses of the definition of Permitted Investments, as the Company shall determine. That designation shall only be permitted if such Investment would be permitted at that time and if such Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Management Committee may redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary if the redesignation would not cause a Default.

 

Section 4.21 Restrictions on Activities of Capital.

 

Capital shall not hold any material assets, become liable for any material obligations, other than the Notes, or engage in any significant business activities; provided that Capital may be a co-obligor with respect to Indebtedness if the Company is a primary obligor of such Indebtedness and the net proceeds of such Indebtedness are received by the Company or one or more of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries other than Capital.

 

Section 4.22 Payments for Consent.

 

Neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder of any Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or is paid to all Holders of the Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

 

Section 4.23 Additional Guarantees.

 

(a) If the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall acquire or create another Domestic Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, then such newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary shall execute a Guarantee in the form of a Supplemental Indenture and supplemental Security Documents within 10 Business Days of the date on which it was acquired or created; provided that (i) all Subsidiaries that have properly been designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries in accordance with this Indenture shall not become Guarantors for so long as they continue to constitute Unrestricted Subsidiaries and (ii) this Section 4.23 shall not apply to any newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary for so long as such Domestic Subsidiary does not have total assets exceeding $500,000. The form of such Guarantee is attached as Exhibit E hereto.

 

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(b) In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 4.23(a) above, the following additional requirements shall apply:

 

(1) the Company and the new Guarantor will cause to be filed such amendments or other instruments, if any, and recorded in such jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law to preserve and protect the Lien of the Security Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to such new Guarantor, together with such financing statements as may be required to perfect any security interests in such Collateral which may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of the relevant states;

 

(2) any Collateral owned by or transferred to the new Guarantor shall: (a) continue to constitute Collateral under this Indenture and the Security Documents; and (b) not be subject to any Lien other than Liens permitted by this Indenture and the Security Documents; and

 

(3) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such supplemental Indenture and Security Documents comply with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, that all conditions precedent in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been satisfied and that such supplemental Indenture and Security Documents are enforceable, subject to customary qualifications.

 

Section 4.24 Liquidated Damages Notice.

 

In the event that the Company is required to pay Liquidated Damages to Holders of Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will provide written notice (“Liquidated Damages Notice”) to the Trustee of its obligation to pay Liquidated Damages no later than fifteen days prior to the proposed payment date for the Liquidated Damages, and the Liquidated Damages Notice shall set forth the amount of Liquidated Damages to be paid by the Company on such payment date. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder of Notes to determine the Liquidated Damages, or with respect to the nature, extent, or calculation of the amount of Liquidated Damages owed, or with respect to the method employed in such calculation of the Liquidated Damages.

 

ARTICLE 5

 

SUCCESSORS

 

Section 5.01 Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets.

 

The Company shall not (i) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving entity) or (ii) sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person unless (i) either: (a) the Company is the surviving corporation or entity; or (b) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger, if other than the Company, or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease or other disposition shall have been made is a corporation,

 

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limited liability company or partnership organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; provided that at any time the Company or its successor is a limited liability company or a partnership, there shall be a co-issuer of the Notes that is a corporation, with its activities limited to the same extent as Capital described in Section 4.21 hereof, (ii) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger, if other than the Company or Capital, or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease or other disposition shall have been made assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes, this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, (iii) immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of Default exists and (iv) the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger, if other than Capital, or the Person, if other than Capital, to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease or other disposition shall have been made shall, on the date of such transaction after giving pro forma effect thereto and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, either (a) be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the first paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof or (b) have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio that is greater than such ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction.

 

The predecessor Company shall not be relieved from its obligations to pay the principal of, and interest on the Notes except in the case of a sale, but not lease, of all of the Company’s assets that meets the requirements of this Section 5.01. This Section 5.01 shall not apply to a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of assets between or among the Company and any of its Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries, except for compliance with the additional conditions set forth in the last paragraph of this Section 5.01.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company is permitted to reorganize as a corporation in accordance with the procedures established in this Indenture, and may merge or consolidate with an Affiliate for such purpose; provided that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such reorganization.

 

The following additional conditions shall apply to each transaction described in the above paragraphs of this Section 5.01: (i) the Company or the relevant surviving entity, as applicable, will cause to be filed such amendments or other instruments, if any, and recorded in such jurisdictions as may be required by applicable law to preserve and protect the Lien of the Security Documents on the Collateral owned by or transferred to such Person, together with such financing statements as may be required to perfect any security interests in such Collateral which may be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of the relevant states, (ii) the Collateral owned by or transferred to the Company or the relevant surviving entity, as applicable, shall (a) continue to constitute Collateral under this Indenture and the Security Documents and (b) not be subject to any Lien other than Liens permitted by this Indenture and the Security Documents, (iii) the assets of the Person which is merged or consolidated with or into the relevant surviving entity, to the extent that they are assets of the types which would constitute Collateral under the Security Documents and which would be required to be pledged thereunder, shall be treated as after-acquired property and such surviving entity shall

 

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take such action as may be reasonably necessary to cause such assets to be made subject to the Lien of the Security Documents in the manner and to the extent required in this Indenture and (iv) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such transaction and, if a supplemental Indenture or supplemental Security Documents, are required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental Indenture and Security Documents comply with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, that all conditions precedent in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been satisfied and that such supplemental Indenture and Security Documents are enforceable, subject to customary qualifications.

 

Section 5.02 Successor Corporation Substituted.

 

Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in accordance with Section 5.01 hereof, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the successor corporation and not to the Company), and may exercise every right and power of the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein; provided, however, that the predecessor Company shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes except in the case of a sale of all of the Company’s assets that meets the requirements of Section 5.01 hereof.

 

ARTICLE 6

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

Section 6.01 Events of Default.

 

An “Event of Default” occurs if:

 

(a) the Issuers default in the payment when due of interest on, or premium, if any, or Liquidated Damages, if any, with respect to, the Notes and such default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

(b) the Issuers default in the payment when due of principal of the Notes, when the same becomes due and payable at maturity, upon redemption (including in connection with an offer to purchase) or otherwise;

 

(c) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries fails to comply with any of the provisions of Section 4.10 or 4.15 hereof;

 

(d) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries fails to observe or perform any other covenant, representation, warranty or other agreement in this Indenture or the Notes for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Notes then outstanding;

 

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(e) a default occurs under any mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such indebtedness or guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of this Indenture, which default (i) is caused by a failure to pay principal at the final stated maturity of such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a “Payment Default”) or (ii) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity and, in each case, the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $20.0 million or more;

 

(f) the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries fails to pay judgments, aggregating in excess of $20.0 million, which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days after such judgments have become final and nonappealable, and in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree that is not promptly stayed;

 

(g) except as permitted by this Indenture, any Guarantee by a Significant Subsidiary shall be held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or shall cease for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary, or any Person acting on behalf of any such Guarantor, shall deny or disaffirm its obligations under its Guarantee;

 

(h) the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of Bankruptcy Law:

 

(i) commences a voluntary case,

 

(ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,

 

(iii) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property,

 

(iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or

 

(v) generally is not paying its debts as they become due;

 

(i) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

 

(i) is for relief against the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;

 

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(ii) appoints a custodian of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary;

 

(iii) orders the liquidation of the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; or

 

(j) so long as the Security Documents have not otherwise been terminated in accordance with their terms or the Collateral as a whole has not otherwise been released from the Lien of the Security Documents in accordance with the terms thereof, (a) a default by the Company or any Guarantor which is a Significant Subsidiary in the performance of the Security Documents which materially and adversely affects the enforceability, validity, perfection or priority of the Lien granted to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Notes Secured Creditors on the Collateral, in each case taken as a whole, (b) a repudiation or disaffirmation by the Company or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary of its material obligations owed to the Notes Secured Creditors under the Security Documents or (c) the determination in a judicial proceeding that all or any material portion of the Security Documents for the benefit of the Notes Secured Creditors, taken as a whole, are unenforceable or invalid against the Company or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary for any reason.

 

Section 6.02 Acceleration.

 

If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (h) or (i) of Section 6.01 hereof with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee (upon request of the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount at maturity of the Notes then outstanding) or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes may declare the Accreted Value of all Notes to be due and payable by notice in writing to the Company and the Trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that such notice is a “notice of acceleration” (the “Acceleration Notice”), and the same (a) shall become immediately due and payable or (b) if there are any amounts of First-Lien Obligations outstanding under the Credit Agreement, shall become immediately due and payable upon the first to occur of an acceleration under the Credit Agreement or five Business Days after receipt by the Company and the representative of creditors holding First-Lien Obligations under the Credit Agreement of such Acceleration Notice but only if such Event of Default is then continuing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in clause (h) or (i) of Section 6.01 hereof occurs with respect to the Company, the Accreted Value of all outstanding Notes shall be due and payable immediately without further action or notice.

 

The Holders of the Notes may not enforce this Indenture or the Notes except as provided in this Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, the Holders of a majority in principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from the Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default

 

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or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or Liquidated Damages, if any,) if it determines that withholding notice is in the interest of the Holders of the Notes.

 

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes by written notice to the Trustee may on behalf of all of the Holders rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal, interest or premium, if any, that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived.

 

The Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with this Indenture. Upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, the Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

 

Section 6.03 Other Remedies.

 

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

 

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

 

Section 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults.

 

Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase) (provided, however, that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration). Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 6.05 Control by Majority.

 

Holders of a majority in principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability.

 

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Section 6.06 Limitation on Suits.

 

A Holder of a Note may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes only if:

 

(a) the Holder of a Note gives to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default;

 

(b) the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

 

(c) such Holder of a Note or Holders of Notes offer and, if requested, provide to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

 

(d) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer and, if requested, the provision of indemnity; and

 

(e) during such 60-day period the Holders of a majority in principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with the request.

 

A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a Note (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holder).

 

Section 6.07 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an offer to purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

 

Section 6.08 Collection Suit by Trustee.

 

If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a) or (b) hereof occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuers for the whole amount of principal of, premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation and expenses of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

Section 6.09 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

 

The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for

 

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the reasonable compensation and expenses of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation and expenses of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation and expenses of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

 

Section 6.10 Priorities.

 

If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article, it shall pay out the money in the following order:

 

First: to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.07 hereof, including payment of all compensation, expense and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;

 

Second: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal and premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any and interest, respectively; and

 

Third: to the Issuers or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.

 

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Notes pursuant to this Section 6.10.

 

Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.

 

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by

 

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the Trustee, a suit by a Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.07 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes.

 

ARTICLE 7

 

TRUSTEE

 

Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee.

 

(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

 

(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

 

(i) the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

 

(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, without investigation, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, in the case of any certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

 

(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

 

(i) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section;

 

(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

 

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05 hereof.

 

(d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this Section.

 

(e) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any liability. The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any

 

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of its rights and powers under this Indenture at the request of any Holders, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

 

(f) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuers. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

Section 7.02 Rights of Trustee.

 

(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

 

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both pursuant to Sections 12.04 and 12.05 hereof. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.

 

(c) The Trustee may act through its agents, attorneys, accountants, experts and such other professionals as the Trustee deems necessary, advisable or appropriate and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care.

 

(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.

 

(e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Issuers shall be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Issuers.

 

(f) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

 

(g) The Trustee shall not be bound to may any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuers, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issuers and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

 

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(h) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Officer of the Trustee, and such notice references the securities and this Indenture; and

 

(i) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and to each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.

 

(j) in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action;

 

(k) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers’ Certificate in the form of Exhibit G setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

Section 7.03 Individual Rights of Trustee.

 

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuers or any Affiliate of the Issuers with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as trustee or resign. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.

 

Section 7.04 Trustee’s Disclaimer.

 

The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Issuers’ use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Issuers or upon the Issuers’ direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.

 

Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults.

 

If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is actually known to a Responsible Officer the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Notes.

 

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Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.

 

Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following the date of this Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a) (but if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also shall comply with TIA §§ 313(b)(1) and 313(b)(2). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).

 

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes shall be mailed to the Issuers and filed with the SEC and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA § 313(d). The Issuers shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

 

Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity.

 

The Issuers shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as the Trustee and the Issuers shall agree in writing for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuers shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

 

The Issuers shall indemnify the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee and their agents for, and to hold them harmless against any and all losses, damages, claims, liabilities or expenses including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee) incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Issuers (including this Section 7.07) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Issuers or any Holder or any other person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, damage, claim, liability or expense may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith. The Trustee shall notify the Issuers promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuers shall not relieve the Issuers of its obligations hereunder. The Issuers shall defend the claim and the Trustee shall cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Issuers shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Issuers need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

The obligations of the Issuers under this Section 7.07 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

To secure the Issuers’ payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Notes. Such Lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

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When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(h) or (i) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.

 

Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee.

 

A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section.

 

The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Issuers. The Holders of a majority in principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Issuers in writing. The Issuers may remove the Trustee if:

 

(a) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof;

 

(b) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;

 

(c) a custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

 

(d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting in the reasonable judgment of the Company.

 

If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Issuers shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.

 

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Issuers, or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee, at the expense of the Issuers.

 

If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuers. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant

 

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to this Section 7.08, the Issuers’ obligations under Section 7.07 hereof shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

 

Section 7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

 

If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation or national association, the successor corporation or national association without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

 

Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.

 

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

 

This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA § 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to TIA § 310(b).

 

Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuers.

 

The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

 

ARTICLE 8

 

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

 

Section 8.01 Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

 

The Issuers may, at the option of the Management Committee or Board of Directors, as applicable, evidenced by a resolution set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, at any time, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof be applied to all outstanding Notes and Guarantees upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

 

Section 8.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge.

 

Upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have all its obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes and Guarantees on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuers and each Guarantor shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes and Guarantees, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Notes, Guarantees

 

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and this Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuers, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive solely from the trust fund described in Section 8.04 hereof, and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of or interest or premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, on such Notes when such payments are due, (b) the Issuers’ obligations with respect to such Notes under Article 2 and Section 4.02 hereof, (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Issuers’ and Guarantor’s obligations in connection therewith and (d) this Article Eight. Subject to compliance with this Article Eight, the Issuers may exercise their option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of their option under Section 8.03 hereof.

 

Section 8.03 Covenant Defeasance.

 

Upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Issuers and each Guarantor shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from their obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15, 4.17, 4.18, 4.19, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22 and 4.23 hereof and clause (iv) of Section 5.01 hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and the Notes and Guarantees shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes and Guarantees shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes and Guarantees, the Issuers and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes and Guarantees shall be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Issuers’ exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03 hereof, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, Sections 6.01(c) through 6.01(f) and 6.01(i) hereof shall not constitute Events of Default.

 

Section 8.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.

 

The following shall be the conditions to the application of either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof to the outstanding Notes and the Guarantees:

 

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:

 

(a) the Issuers must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in United States dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the

 

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principal of, or interest and premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the outstanding Notes on the stated maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Issuers must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

 

(b) in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (A) the Issuers have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (B) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

 

(c) in the case of an election under Section 8.03 hereof, the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

 

(d) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the incurrence of Indebtedness all or a portion of the proceeds of which will be used to defease the Notes pursuant to this Article Eight concurrently with such incurrence) or insofar as Sections 6.01(h) or 6.01(i) hereof is concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit;

 

(e) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is bound;

 

(f) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel (which may be subject to customary exceptions) to the effect that, assuming no intervening bankruptcy of the Issuers or any Guarantor between the date of deposit and the 91st day following the deposit and assuming that no Holder is an “insider” of the Company or Capital under applicable bankruptcy law, after the 91st day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally;

 

(g) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuers with the intent of preferring the Holders

 

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of Notes over any other creditors of the Issuers or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Issuers or others; and

 

(h) the Issuers shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

 

Section 8.05 Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

Subject to Section 8.06 hereof, all money and non-callable Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.05, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

The Issuers shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.

 

Anything in this Article Eight to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuers from time to time upon the written request of the Issuers any money or non-callable Government Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(a) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

 

Section 8.06 Repayment to Issuers.

 

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuers, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, and premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuers on its written request or (if then held by the Issuers) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter look only to the Issuers for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuers as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense and upon the direction of the Issuers cause to be published once, in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the

 

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date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Issuers.

 

Section 8.07 Reinstatement.

 

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United States dollars or non-callable Government Securities in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Issuers’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that, if the Issuers make any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuers shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

 

Section 8.08 Satisfaction and Discharge

 

This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued under it, when the Issuers or any Guarantor have paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture and:

 

(1) all Notes that have been authenticated—except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuers—have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(2) the following three conditions have been met:

 

(a) (1) all Notes that have not been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or otherwise or will become due and payable within one year and (2) the Issuers or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders. The trust funds shall be cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of them, in amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

 

(b) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of the deposit or shall occur as a result of the deposit and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other instrument to which any of the Issuers or any Guarantor is a party or by which any of the Issuers or any Guarantor is bound; and

 

(c) the Issuers have delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be.

 

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In addition, the Issuers must deliver an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

 

ARTICLE 9

 

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

 

Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes.

 

Notwithstanding Section 9.02 of this Indenture, the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Guarantees, the Security Documents or the Notes without the consent of any Holder of a Note:

 

(a) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

 

(b) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;

 

(c) to provide for the assumption of the Company’s, Capital’s or any Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders of the Notes in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s, Capital’s or such Guarantor’s assets;

 

(d) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any Holder of the Note;

 

(e) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;

 

(f) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in this Indenture as of the date hereof;

 

(g) to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture and/or a Guarantee with respect to the Notes;

 

(h) to allow the Trustee, the Issuers and the Guarantors to set forth or clarify the procedures for the issuance of any Additional Notes under this Indenture; or

 

(i) to release, modify or supplement the Notes Secured Creditors’ Lien or execute other intercreditor, subordination or further assurances agreements with respect to Collateral in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture and under the Security Documents.

 

Upon the request of the Issuers accompanied by a resolution of its Management Committee or Board of Directors, as applicable, authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental Indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Issuers and the Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental Indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to

 

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make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes.

 

Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Issuers and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture (including Section 3.09, 4.10 and 4.15 hereof), the Guarantees and the Notes with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount at maturity of the Notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes).

 

Without the consent of the Holders of at least 66?% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), (a) no amendment may release from the Lien of this Indenture or the Notes and the Security Documents all or substantially all of the Collateral otherwise than in accordance with the terms of such Security Documents and (b) no waiver or amendment to this Indenture or the Security Documents may alter the Priority of the Lien securing the Collateral in any manner that adversely affects the rights of any Holder of Notes. Section 2.08 hereof shall determine which Notes are considered to be “outstanding” for purposes of this Section 9.02.

 

Upon the request of the Issuers accompanied by a resolution of its Management Committee or Board of Directors, as applicable, authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental Indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Issuers in the execution of such amended or supplemental Indenture unless such amended or supplemental Indenture directly affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture.

 

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

 

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section becomes effective, the Issuers shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Issuers to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental Indenture or waiver. Subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, the Holders of a majority in aggregate

 

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principal amount at maturity of the Notes then outstanding may waive compliance in a particular instance by the Issuers with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes. However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):

 

(a) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

(b) reduce the Accreted Value of or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter or waive any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes except as provided above with respect to Sections 4.10 and 4.15 hereof;

 

(c) reduce the rate of or change the time for accretion or principal or payment of interest, including default interest, on any Note;

 

(d) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of or interest or premium, if any, or Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the then outstanding Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

 

(e) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;

 

(f) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, or Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Notes;

 

(g) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Note except as provided above with respect to Sections 4.10 and 4.15 hereof;

 

(h) release any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary from any of its obligations under its Guarantee or this Indenture otherwise than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

 

(i) make any change in the foregoing amendment and waiver provisions.

 

Section 9.03 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

 

Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be set forth in a amended or supplemental Indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.

 

Section 9.04 Revocation and Effect of Consents.

 

Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a Note and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note. However, any such Holder of a Note or subsequent Holder of a Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of

 

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revocation before the date the waiver, supplement or amendment becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

 

Section 9.05 Notation on or Exchange of Notes.

 

The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated. The Issuers in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

Section 9.06 Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

 

The Trustee shall sign any amended or supplemental Indenture authorized pursuant to this Article Nine if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. The Issuers may not sign an amendment or supplemental Indenture until the Management Committee or Board of Directors, as applicable, approves it. In executing any amended or supplemental indenture, the Trustee shall receive and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 11.04 hereof, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.

 

ARTICLE 10

 

COLLATERAL AND SECURITY DOCUMENTS

 

Section 10.01 Security Documents; Additional Collateral.

 

(a) In order to secure the due and punctual payment of the Notes and all other Obligations in respect of the Notes and this Indenture, and the other amounts payable to the Trustee hereunder, the Issuers and the Guarantors shall, on the Issue Date, enter into the applicable Security Documents to create the Lien on the Collateral in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Notes Secured Creditors and to provide for certain related intercreditor matters. Any Guarantor shall, upon becoming a Guarantor, become a party to each applicable Security Document as shall be necessary or appropriate to grant and create a valid Lien on and security interest in the personal property of such Guarantor of the type described in the definition of “Collateral” in the Security Agreement and, to the extent required by the Credit Agreement, all real property owned by such Guarantor, in each case, subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens.

 

(b) If at any time after the First-Lien Obligations Termination Date, the Issuers or any Guarantor acquires (i) in fee simple any real property with a fair market value in excess of $1.0 million or (ii) any leasehold interest in any leasehold property with a fair market value in excess of $2.0 million, in either case as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company or such Guarantor shall grant to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Notes

 

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Secured Creditors a Mortgage on such real property; provided, that the Company or any such Guarantor shall not be required to so grant a Mortgage on such real property to the extent that (1) such a grant is prohibited by the applicable lease (and the lessor thereunder or its mortgagees has not consented thereto) or (2) such a grant is prohibited by the terms of any document evidencing a prior Lien thereon to the extent permitted hereunder. All such Mortgages shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Trustee. In connection therewith, the Company shall deliver a Mortgage, title insurance policy, survey, legal opinion, Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) fixture filings and other documents and instruments meeting the requirements of Section 7(i), (j), (k), (n), (o), (p), (q), (r), (s) and (t) of the Purchase Agreement, each in form and substance satisfactory to Trustee, and pay all costs and expenses in connection therewith.

 

(c) The Trustee (in its capacity as a secured creditor on behalf of the Holders pursuant to the Security Documents) and each Holder, by accepting a Note, agrees to all of the terms and provisions of each of the Security Documents, as the same may be amended from time to time pursuant to the provisions of Security Documents and this Indenture, and acknowledge that (i) until such time as the First-Lien Obligations Termination Date has occurred, the Security Documents may be amended, to the extent set forth therein and to the extent permitted by law, without the consent of the Trustee or the Holders and (ii) the Security Documents also may be amended to the extent permitted by law without the consent of the Trustee or the Holders to add additional Persons as Secured Creditors under the Security Documents and/or add new classes of creditors, in each case, to the extent such Indebtedness and Liens are permitted hereby.

 

(d) The Trustee (in its capacity as a secured creditor on behalf of the Holders pursuant to the Security Documents) and the Holders expressly acknowledge and agree (i) to all of the terms and agreements contained in the Security Agreement, (ii) that the claims of the Holders and the Trustee against the Assignors (as defined in the Security Agreement) in respect of the Collateral constitute junior claims separate and apart (and of a different class) from the senior claims with respect to all First-Lien Obligations against the Assignors in respect of the Collateral and (iii) the Obligations under the Credit Facilities and all First-Lien Obligations and Second-Lien Obligations (as defined in the Security Agreement) include all interest that accrues after the commencement of any case, proceeding or other action relating to the bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar proceeding of any Assignor at the rate provided for in the respective Secured Debt Agreements (as defined in the Security Agreement) governing the same, whether or not a claim for post-petition interest is allowed in any such case, proceeding or other action.

 

(e) In the event that any provisions of this Indenture are deemed to conflict with Sections 1.1, 7.4 or 10.8 of the Security Agreement, the provisions of such sections of the Security Agreement shall govern.

 

Section 10.02 Recording, Etc.

 

(a) The Company and the Guarantors shall take or cause to be taken all action required or desirable to be taken by the Company or such Guarantor to maintain and perfect the Lien on the Collateral granted by the Security Documents, to the extent required thereby, including, but not limited to, causing all financing statements, any mortgage or deed of trust, the Security Documents (or a short form version thereof), other instruments of further assurance, including, without limitation, continuation statements covering security interests in personal property

 

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to be executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent to be promptly recorded, registered and filed, and at all times to be kept recorded and will execute and cause to be filed such financing statements and cause to be issued and filed such continuation statements, all in such manner and in such places as may be required by law fully to maintain the perfection of the Holders’ and the Trustee’s rights under this Indenture and the Security Documents to all property comprising the Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will cause each new Guarantor that becomes a Guarantor after the Issue Date pursuant to Section 4.23 hereof to execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent and the Trustee at such time as such Guarantor becomes a Guarantor and owns, possesses or acquires any property or assets of the type or nature that would constitute Collateral (i) a counterpart to the Security Agreement and such other documents as required by the Security Agreement and (ii) any other Security Documents as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent or the Trustee in order to grant and perfect the Lien on the Collateral of such Guarantor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent the Bank Lenders do not require the Company or the Guarantors to maintain or perfect a Lien in certain Collateral, the Holders shall not require the Company or the Guarantors to maintain or perfect a Lien on such Collateral.

 

The Company shall from time to time promptly pay and discharge all mortgage and financing and continuation statement recording and/or filing fees, charges and taxes relating to this Indenture and the Security Documents, any amendments thereto and any other instruments of further assurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee shall not have any duty or obligation to ascertain whether any such fees, charges and taxes are required to be paid at any time. This paragraph (a) is subject to the provisions of the Security Agreement.

 

(b) The Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee:

 

(1) at the time of execution and delivery of this Indenture, opinions of counsel delivered on the Issue Date with respect to Collateral substantially to the effect that, in the opinion of such counsel, each Security Document and all other instruments of further assurance or assignment have been properly recorded, or filed to the extent necessary to perfect or create the security interests created by each such Security Document, to the extent that perfection of such security interests is required by the Security Documents, and reciting the details of such action, and stating that as to the security interests created pursuant to each such Security Document, such recordings, registrations and filings are the only recordings, registrations and filings necessary to give notice thereof (other than as stated in such opinion);

 

(2) within 30 days after May 20 of each year beginning with May 20, 2005, an Opinion of Counsel dated as of such date either (i) to the effect that, in the opinion of such counsel, such action has been taken with respect to the recordings, registrations, filings, re-recordings, re-registrations and refilings of all instruments of further assurance as is necessary to maintain the validity, enforceability and perfection of the security interests of each of the Security Documents, to the extent that perfection of such security interests is required by the Security Documents, and reciting with respect to such security interests the details of such action (or to the extent that further action is required to be taken within the next twelve months, details of such further action) or referencing prior Opinions of Counsel in which such details are given, or (ii) if perfection of such security interests is

 

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required by the Security Documents, to the effect that, in the opinion of such counsel, no additional action is necessary to maintain perfection of such security interests.

 

Section 10.03 Release of Collateral/Intercreditor and Subordination Agreements.

 

The Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree that, and each Holder, by accepting a Note, acknowledges that, subject to the terms of the Security Documents:

 

(a) For so long as there are any First-Lien Obligations or commitments or letters of credit under the Credit Facilities or any Hedging Obligations outstanding, the Bank Lenders shall have the exclusive right and authority, whether before or after the occurrence of an event of default under a Credit Facility or an Event of Default under this Indenture, to determine the release, sale or other disposition of the Collateral and any consent by the Bank Lenders to the release of their Lien upon any of the Collateral shall be binding upon the Holders of Notes and shall be deemed to be a release of the Notes Secured Creditors’ Lien; provided that no release of the Notes Secured Creditors’ Lien on the Collateral shall be made if the Collateral to be released is not the subject of a sale or other disposition and such release is being made in connection with or in contemplation of the repayment in full of the First-Lien Obligations.

 

(b) At such time as the First-Lien Obligations Termination Date shall have occurred, except as set forth in paragraphs (c) and (d) below and subject to Article 9, the Trustee will have the exclusive right and authority to determine the release, sale or other disposition of the Collateral in such manner as the Trustee deems appropriate in its absolute discretion.

 

(c) At such time as the First-Lien Obligations Termination Date shall have occurred, the Company and the Guarantors shall have the right to obtain a release of items of Collateral (the “Released Interest”) in connection with an Asset Sale upon compliance with the condition that the Company deliver to the Trustee the following:

 

(1) an Officers’ Certificate stating that:

 

(i) such Asset Sale complies with the terms and conditions of Section 4.10 hereof and

 

(ii) all Net Proceeds from the sale of the Released Interest will be applied pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.10 hereof.

 

(2) all documentation necessary or reasonably requested by the Trustee to grant to the Trustee a first priority security interest in and Lien on all Collateral (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) comprising a portion of the consideration received in such Asset Sale, if any, to the extent such security interest and Lien are required by this Indenture or the Security Documents; and

 

(3) all documentation required by the TIA, if any, prior to the release of the Collateral.

 

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Upon compliance by the Company with the conditions set forth in this paragraph (c), the Trustee will instruct the Collateral Agent to release the Released Interest from the Lien in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Notes Secured Creditors.

 

(d) If at any time pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture (including in connection with an Asset Sale comprising the sale of Equity Interests of a Guarantor), a Guarantor is released from its guarantee obligations with respect to the Notes, such Guarantor shall have the right to obtain a release from the Notes Secured Creditors’ Lien on any Collateral pledged by such Guarantor and the Company shall have the right to request a release of the Notes Secured Creditors’ Lien on any Equity Interests of the Guarantor pledged by the Company.

 

(e) At such time as the First-Lien Obligations Termination Date shall have occurred, subject to the provisions of this Indenture and the Security Documents, the Company or any Guarantor may, without any release or consent by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, if no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:

 

(1) abandon, terminate, cancel, release or make alterations in or substitutions of any leases, contracts or rights-of-way subject to the Lien of the Security Documents; provided that (i) any altered or substituted leases, contracts or rights-of-way shall forthwith, without further action, be subject to the Lien created by the Security Documents to the same extent as those previously existing and (ii) if the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall receive any money or property in excess of its expenses in connection with such termination, cancellation, release, alteration or substitution as consideration or compensation for such termination, cancellation, release, alteration or substitution, such money or property shall be treated as monies received in connection with an Asset Sale and subject to the provisions of Section 4.10 hereof;

 

(2) surrender or modify any franchise, license or permit subject to the Lien created by the Security Documents which it may own or under which it may be operating; provided that, after the surrender or modification of any such franchise, license or permit, the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall still, in its business judgment, be entitled, under some other or without any franchise, license or permit, to conduct its business in the territory in which it is then operating; and provided, further, that if the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive any money or property in excess of its expenses in connection with such surrender or modification as consideration or compensation for such surrender or modification, such money or property shall be treated as monies received in connection with an Asset Sale and subject to the provisions of Section 4.10 hereof;

 

(3) alter, repair, replace, change the location or position of and add to its plants, structures, machinery, systems, equipment, fixtures and appurtenances;

 

(4) demolish, dismantle, tear down, scrap or abandon any Collateral if, in the Company’s or such Guarantor’s business judgment, such demolition, dismantling,

 

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tearing down, scrapping or abandonment is in the best interest of the Company or such Guarantor;

 

(5) grant a license of any Patent, Mark or Copyright (each as defined in the Security Agreement); provided that the Company or such Guarantor receives consideration at least equal to the fair market value of such license;

 

(6) abandon any Patent, Mark or Copyright where subsequent applications relating to such Patent, Mark or Copyright have been filed with respect to similar subject matter or where the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, in its business judgment, concludes that such Patent, Mark or Copyright is no longer useful in the conduct of its business;

 

(7) grant rights-of-way and easements over or in respect of any real property; provided that such grant will not in any material respect, in the business judgment of the Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, impair the usefulness of such property in the conduct of its business and will not be prejudicial to the interests of the Holders;

 

(8) grant leases or subleases in respect of any owned real property in the event that the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, determines, in its business judgment, that such owned real property is no longer useful in the conduct of its business and that such lease or sublease would not be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the value of the property subject thereto; provided that any such lease or sublease shall by its terms be subject and subordinate to the Lien, and otherwise comply with the provisions, of the mortgage affecting such real property; and

 

(9) sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any asset constituting Collateral; provided that such sale, exchange or other disposition that constitutes an Asset Sale shall comply with the provisions of this Indenture; provided, further, that if the Collateral being sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of is real property and constitutes a portion (but not all) of the real property covered by a single mortgage, then the Company shall, if requested by the Collateral Agent or the Trustee, deliver to the Trustee a title endorsement and an updated survey, in each case covering the portion of such real property that is not so sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of.

 

Upon any such sale, exchange or other disposition permitted by this Section 10.03(e) (other than sales, exchanges or dispositions to the Company or a Guarantor) such Collateral shall be sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of free and clear of Liens created by the Security Documents. In the event that the Company or a Guarantor has sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of or proposes to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any portion of the Collateral (other than sales, exchanges or dispositions to the Company or a Guarantor) which under the provisions of this Section 10.03(e) may be sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of by the Company or such Guarantor without any release or consent of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, and the Company or such Guarantor

 

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requests the Trustee to furnish a written disclaimer, release or quitclaim of any interest in such property under any of the Security Documents, the Trustee or Collateral Agent shall promptly execute such an instrument (in recordable form, where appropriate) upon delivery to the Trustee of (i) an Officers’ Certificate by the Company or such Guarantor reciting the sale, exchange or other disposition made or proposed to be made and describing in reasonable detail the property affected thereby, and stating that such property is property which may be sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of or dealt with by the Company or such Guarantor without any release or consent of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10.03(e), and (ii) an Opinion of Counsel stating that the sale, exchange or other disposition made or proposed to be made was duly taken by the Company or such Guarantor in conformity with this Section 10.03(e) and that the execution of such written disclaimer, release or quitclaim is appropriate under this Section 10.03(e).

 

(f) The Issuers shall not agree to any Refinancing of Indebtedness under the Credit Facilities (if any replacement Credit Facilities are to be in existence) unless, on or prior thereto, the lenders and/or a collateral agent on behalf of such lenders under the Credit Facilities (after giving effect to such Refinancing) execute appropriate replacement Security Documents to provide for a junior-priority lien in favor of the Holders consistent with the priorities of various creditors described in this Indenture and the Security Documents; provided that the Issuers need not comply with this requirement to the extent that any new Indebtedness incurred in connection with such Refinancing is not secured by any of the Collateral.

 

(g) To facilitate the extension of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred and secured by a Lien on the Collateral hereunder or the Refinancing of any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred and secured by a Lien on the Collateral pursuant to this Indenture (“Permitted Secured Debt”), the Trustee, on behalf of, but without the necessity of obtaining the consent of the Holders of Notes, shall enter into intercreditor or acknowledgement agreements as reasonably requested by the Issuers, and/or take such other actions that may be reasonably requested by the Issuers, in connection with securing Permitted Secured Debt by the Collateral. Such intercreditor or acknowledgement agreements shall provide for substantially the same intercreditor and other relevant provisions set forth in the Security Agreement, including, without limitation, providing (i) that the Permitted Secured Debt may be secured by the Collateral and be entitled to the benefits of the Security Documents, (ii) the relative priority of the Lien in the Collateral securing such Permitted Secured Debt, (iii) that the holder of such Permitted Secured Debt shall be entitled to the same rights and remedies, including rights of foreclosure and voting rights, as the holders of Indebtedness in the same class or ranking as the holders of Other Permitted Secured Debt, (iv) the appointment of a Successor Collateral Agent and (v) such other matters as are reasonably requested by the Issuers and/or the holders of such Permitted Secured Debt as may be necessary to enable the Issuers to receive the practical benefit of the agreements set forth herein regarding the ability of the Issuers to incur Other Permitted Secured Debt so long as such provisions (A) do not contain additional provisions that materially and adversely affect the rights, benefits and obligations of the Senior Second Lien Notes Creditors and (B) do not give rise to an express violation of the

 

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terms of the Credit Agreement, the Senior Second Lien Notes Documents and the Security Documents.

 

Section 10.04 Taking and Destruction.

 

At such time as have been satisfied in full in cash the First-Lien Obligations Termination Date, upon any Taking or Destruction of any Collateral, all Net Insurance Proceeds received by the Company or any Guarantor shall be deemed Net Proceeds and shall be applied in accordance with Section 4.10.

 

Section 10.05 Trust Indenture Act Requirements.

 

The release of any Collateral from the Lien of any of the Security Documents or the release of, in whole or in part, the Liens created by any of the Security Documents will not be deemed to impair the security interests in contravention of the provisions hereof if and to the extent the Collateral or Liens are released pursuant to the applicable Security Documents and pursuant to the terms hereof. The Trustee and each of the Holders acknowledge that a release of Collateral or Liens strictly in accordance with the terms of the Security Documents and the terms hereof will not be deemed for any purpose to be an impairment of the Security Interests in contravention of the terms of this Indenture. To the extent applicable following the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA, without limitation, the Company and the Guarantors will comply with TIA Section 314(d) relating to the release of property or securities from the Liens hereof and of the Security Documents. Any certificate or opinion required by TIA Section 314(d) may be made by an Officer of the Company, except in cases in which TIA Section 314(d) requires that such certificate or opinion be made by an independent Person.

 

Section 10.06 Suits To Protect the Collateral.

 

Subject to the provisions of the Security Documents, the Trustee shall have power to instruct the Collateral Agent to institute and to maintain such suits and proceedings as it may deem expedient to prevent any impairment of the Collateral by any acts which may be unlawful or in violation of any of the Security Documents or this Indenture (including power to instruct the Collateral Agent to institute and maintain suits or proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any legislative or other governmental enactment, rule or order that may be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or compliance with, such enactment, rule or order would impair the Security Interests).

 

Section 10.07 Purchaser Protected.

 

In no event shall any purchaser in good faith of any property purported to be released hereunder or under any of the Security Documents be bound to ascertain the authority of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, to execute the release or to inquire as to the satisfaction of any conditions required by the provisions hereof for the exercise of such authority or to see to the application of any consideration given by such purchaser or other transferee; nor shall any purchaser or other transferee of any property or rights permitted by this Article 10 to be sold be under obligation to ascertain or inquire into the authority of the Company, to make any such sale or other transfer.

 

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Section 10.08 Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee.

 

In case the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully appointed, the powers conferred in this Article 10 upon the Company with respect to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or trustee shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of the Company or of any officer or officers thereof required by the provisions of this Article 10.

 

Section 10.09 Determinations Relating to Collateral.

 

In the event (i) the Trustee shall receive any written request from the Company or any Guarantor under any Security Document for consent or approval with respect to any matter or thing relating to any Collateral or the Company’s or any Guarantor’s obligations with respect thereto (other than actions with respect to the Collateral on the part of the Trustee that do not, pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any Security Document, require the consent of the Holders); or (ii) there shall be required from the Trustee under the provisions of any Security Document any performance or the delivery of any instrument (other than the performance or delivery of any instrument with respect to the Collateral that does not require the consent of the Holders including those agreements and acknowledgments contemplated in Section 10.03(g) hereof); or (iii) a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall become aware of any nonperformance by the Company or any Guarantor of any covenant or any breach of any representation or warranty of the Company or any Guarantor set forth in any Security Document, and, in the case of clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, the Trustee’s response or action is not otherwise specifically contemplated hereunder or under the applicable Security Document then, in each such event, the Trustee shall, within seven Business Days thereafter, advise the Holders, in writing and at the Company’s expense, of the matter or thing as to which consent has been requested or the performance or instrument required to be delivered or the nonperformance or breach of which the Trustee has become aware. Subject to Article 9, the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the outstanding Notes shall have the exclusive authority to direct the Trustee’s response to any of the circumstances contemplated in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above. In the event the Trustee shall be required to respond to any of the circumstances contemplated in this Section 10.09, the Trustee shall not be required so to respond unless it shall have received written authority by not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the outstanding Notes; provided that the Trustee shall be entitled to hire experts, consultants, agents and attorneys to advise the Trustee on the manner in which the Trustee should respond to such request or render any requested performance or response to such nonperformance or breach (the expenses of which shall be reimbursed to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.07). The Trustee shall be fully protected in the taking of any action recommended or approved by any such expert, consultant, agent or attorney or agreed to by a majority of such Holders.

 

Section 10.10 Release upon Termination of the Company’s Obligations.

 

In the event that the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate certifying that its obligations under this Indenture have been satisfied and discharged by complying with the provisions of Article 8 and such other documents and/or funds as are required to be delivered or paid pursuant

 

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to Article 8, the Trustee shall or shall instruct the Collateral Agent to execute and deliver, in each case without recourse, representation or warranty, such releases, termination statements and other instruments (in recordable form, where appropriate) as the Company may reasonably request evidencing the termination of the Liens created by the Security Documents in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders and thereafter neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to hold the Liens for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders.

 

Section 10.11 Limitation on Duty of Trustee in Respect of Collateral.

 

(a) Beyond the exercise of reasonable care in the custody thereof, the Trustee shall have no duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any agent or bailee or any income thereon or as to preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto and the Trustee shall not be responsible for filing any financing or continuation statements or recording any documents or instruments in any public office at any time or times or otherwise perfecting or maintaining the perfection of the security interest in the Collateral.

 

(b) The Trustee shall not be responsible for the existence, genuineness or value of any of the Collateral or for the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Liens upon any of the Collateral, whether impaired by operation of law or by reason of any action or omission to act on its part hereunder, except to the extent such action or omission constitutes negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, for the validity or sufficiency of the Collateral or any agreement or assignment contained therein, for the validity of the title of the Company to the Collateral, for insuring the Collateral or for the payment of taxes, charges, assessments or Liens upon the Collateral or otherwise as to the maintenance of the Collateral.

 

Section 10.12 Successor Collateral Agent.

 

In connection with a Refinancing of a Credit Facility or otherwise, the Collateral Agent resigns or is otherwise removed or replaced, the Company may appoint a successor collateral agent (a “Successor Collateral Agent”) on behalf of all Persons then holding First-Lien Obligations and on behalf of the Trustee and Holders of Notes. The Successor Collateral Agent shall be a bank, trust company or other financial institution having capital and retained earnings of at least $1,000,000,000. Upon acceptance of any appointment as the Successor Collateral Agent, such Successor Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges, duties and obligations of the retiring Collateral Agent hereunder and the retiring Collateral Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. In this connection, the Trustee shall, if requested by the Successor Collateral Agent and without the necessity of obtaining the consent of the Holders of Notes, so acknowledge such fact in writing in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Successor Collateral Agent.

 

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ARTICLE 11

 

GUARANTEES

 

Section 11.01 Guarantees.

 

Subject to this Article 11, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, unconditionally guarantees on a senior secured basis to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuers hereunder or thereunder, that: (a) the principal of and interest on the Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Issuers to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated on a senior secured basis to pay the same immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.

 

The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuers, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Issuers, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuers, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.

 

If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Issuers, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the Issuers or the Guarantors, any amount paid either to the Trustee or such Holder, this Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect.

 

Each Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 hereof for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 hereof, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this

 

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Guarantee. The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Guarantee.

 

Section 11.02 [Reserved].

 

Section 11.03 Limitation on Guarantor Liability.

 

Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 11, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

 

Section 11.04 Execution and Delivery of Guarantee.

 

To evidence its Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby agrees to cause one of its officers to execute its Guarantee, the form of which is provided in Exhibit E hereto, and which is to be annexed to each Note that is authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, and that this Indenture shall be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by its President or one of its Vice Presidents or by a duly authorized officer acting on its behalf.

 

Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to execute its Guarantee, the form of which is provided in Exhibit E hereto, and which is annexed to each Note.

 

If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note on which a Guarantee is endorsed, the Guarantee shall be valid nevertheless.

 

The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee of such Note set forth in this Indenture on behalf of such Guarantor.

 

In the event that the Issuers create or acquire any new Restricted Subsidiaries subsequent to the date of this Indenture, if required by Section 4.23 hereof, the Issuers shall cause such Restricted Subsidiaries to execute supplemental indentures to this Indenture and Guarantees in accordance with Section 4.23 hereof and this Article 11, to the extent applicable.

 

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Section 11.05 Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms.

 

Except as otherwise provided in Section 11.06 hereof, no Guarantor may sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person) another Person, other than the Company or another Guarantor, unless:

 

(a) subject to Section 11.06 hereof, either (i) the Person acquiring the property in such sale or disposition or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than such Guarantor) unconditionally assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor, pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, under the Notes, this Indenture, the Guarantee, the Security Documents and the Registration Rights Agreement on the terms set forth herein or therein or (ii) the Net Proceeds of such a sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with Sections 3.09 and 4.10 hereof and

 

(b) if such merger or consolidation is with a Person other than either of the Issuers or a Restricted Subsidiary, immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists.

 

In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance and upon the assumption by the successor Person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the Guarantee endorsed upon or annexed to the Notes and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed by the Guarantor, such successor Person shall succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with the same effect as if it had been named herein as a Guarantor. Such successor Person thereupon may cause to be signed any or all of the Guarantees to be endorsed upon or annexed to all of the Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Issuers and delivered to the Trustee. All the Guarantees so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Guarantees theretofore and thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all of such Guarantees had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.

 

Except as set forth in Articles 4 and 5 hereof, and notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes shall prevent any consolidation or merger of a Guarantor with or into the Company or another Guarantor, or shall prevent any sale or conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the Company or another Guarantor.

 

Section 11.06 Releases Following Sale of Assets.

 

In the event of (i) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, or (ii) a sale or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of any Guarantor, in each case to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transactions) a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, then such Guarantor (in the event of a sale or other disposition, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all of the Capital Stock of such Guarantor) or the Person acquiring the property (in the event of a sale

 

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or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor) will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Guarantee; provided that the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with Sections 3.09 and 4.10 hereof. In addition, in the event that the Company properly designates any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Guarantee. Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other disposition was made by the Company in accordance with Section 4.10 hereof, or notification by the Company that a Restricted Subsidiary was designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release and relieve of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Guarantee.

 

Any Guarantor that is not released from its obligations under its Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article 11.

 

ARTICLE 12

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 12.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls.

 

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA ss.318(c), the imposed duties shall control.

 

Section 12.02 Notices.

 

Any notice or communication by the Issuers, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in Person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telecopier (promptly confirmed in writing) or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address:

 

If to the Issuers and/or any Guarantor:

 

Consolidated Container Company LLC

Consolidated Container Capital, Inc.

3101 Towercreek Parkway, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30339

Attention: General Counsel

 

with a copy to:

 

Alston & Bird LLP

1201 West Peachtree Street

Atlanta, GA 30309

Attention: Rick Blumen, Esq.

 

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and to Vestar Capital Partners III, L.P.:

 

c/o Vestar Capital Partners, Inc.

Seventeenth Street Plaza,

1225 17th Street, Suite 1660

Denver, Colorado 80202

 

with a copy to:

 

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Telecopier No.: (212) 455-2502

Attention: Peter J. Gordon

 

If to the Trustee:

 

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West

New York, New York 10286

Telecopier No.: (212) 815-5707

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

 

The Issuers, any Guarantor or the Trustee, by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if telecopied; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

 

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

 

If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

 

If the Issuers mail a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

Section 12.03 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.

 

Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Issuers, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).

 

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Section 12.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

 

Upon any request or application by the Issuers to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Issuers shall furnish to the Trustee:

 

(a) an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and

 

(b) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants, if any, have been satisfied.

 

Section 12.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

 

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) shall comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and shall include:

 

(a) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

 

(b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 

(c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and

 

(d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been satisfied.

 

Section 12.06 Rules by Trustee and Agents.

 

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

 

Section 12.07 No Personal Liability of Managers, Directors, Officers, Employees, Stockholders and Members.

 

No past, present or future manager, director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or member of the Company, Capital or any Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company, Capital or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Guarantees, this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.

 

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Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

 

Section 12.08 Governing Law.

 

THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES WILL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

 

Section 12.09 Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

EACH OF THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

Section 12.10 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

 

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Issuers or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

 

Section 12.11 Successors.

 

All agreements of the Issuers in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors. All agreements of each Guarantor in this Indenture shall bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 11.06 hereof.

 

Section 12.12 Severability.

 

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

Section 12.13 Counterpart Originals.

 

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

 

Section 12.14 Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

 

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

-105-


Section 12.15 Force Majeure.

 

In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

 

ARTICLE 13

 

TRUST MONIES

 

Section 13.01 Trust Monies.

 

All Trust Monies shall be held by or delivered to the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Security Documents. Trust Monies, if any, shall, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at the direction of the Issuers, be (a) applied by the Trustee from time to time to the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on any Notes at maturity or upon redemption or retirement, or to the purchase of Notes upon tender or in the open market or otherwise, (b) released to the extent such cash would be considered Collateral under the Security Documents following such release or (c) applied to cure any Event of Default set forth in Section 6.01(a) or (b) in each case in accordance with the Security Documents.

 

Section 13.02 Investment of Trust Monies.

 

All or any part of any Trust Monies held by the Trustee hereunder (except such as may be held for the account of any particular Notes) shall from time to time be invested or reinvested by the Trustee in any Cash Equivalents pursuant to the written direction of the Issuers, which shall specify the Cash Equivalents in which such Trust Monies shall be invested. Unless a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing, any interest or dividends earned or paid on such Cash Equivalents (in excess of any accrued interest paid at the time of purchase) which may be received by the Trustee shall be forthwith paid to the Issuers. Such Cash Equivalents shall be held by the Trustee as a part of the Collateral, subject to the same provisions hereof as the cash used by it to purchase such Cash Equivalents. The Trustee shall not be liable or responsible for any loss resulting from such investments or sales except only for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act, its own material breach of this Indenture or its own willful misconduct in complying with this Section 13.02.

 

[Signatures on following page]

 

-106-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed and attested as of the date first written above.

 

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER COMPANY LLC

By:   Consolidated Container Company LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager
By:  

/s/ Tyler L. Woolson

   
   

Name: Tyler L. Woolson

    Title: Chief Financial Officer

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER CAPITAL, INC.

By:  

/s/ Tyler L. Woolson

   
   

Name: Tyler L. Woolson

   

Title: Chief Financial Officer

THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE

By:  

/s/ Remo Reale

   
   

Name: Remo Reale

   

Title: Vice President

REID PLASTICS GROUP LLC, AS GUARANTOR

By:   Consolidated Container Company LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager
By:   Consolidated Container Holdings LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager
By:  

/s/ Tyler L. Woolson

   
   

Name: Tyler L. Woolson

   

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

-107-


PLASTIC CONTAINERS LLC, AS GUARANTOR

By:   Consolidated Container Company LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager
By:   Consolidated Container Holdings LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager
By:  

/s/ Tyler L. Woolson

   
   

Name: Tyler L. Woolson

   

Title: Chief Financial Officer

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER COMPANY LP,AS GUARANTOR

By:   Plastic Containers LLC, as its General Partner
By:   Consolidated Container Company LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager
By:   Consolidated Container Holdings LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager
By:  

/s/ Tyler L. Woolson

   
   

Name: Tyler L. Woolson

   

Title: Chief Financial Officer

CONTINENTAL CARIBBEAN CONTAINERS, INC., AS GUARANTOR

By:

 

/s/ Tyler L. Woolson

   
   

Name: Tyler L. Woolson

    Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

-108-


EXHIBIT A1

 

[Face of Note]

 

10 3/4% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2009

 

THIS NOTE IS ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR PURPOSES OF

SECTION 1271 ET SEQ. OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. THE ISSUE DATE OF

THIS NOTE IS MAY 20, 2004 AND THE YIELD IS 10 3/4%, COMPOUNDED SEMI-

ANNUALLY UP TO JUNE 15, 2007, AFTER WHICH CASH INTEREST WILL ACCRUE.

FOR EACH $1,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY OF THIS NOTE, THE ISSUE

PRICE IS $725.13 AND THE TOTAL ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT OVER THE TERM OF

THIS NOTE IS $274.87; PROVIDED THAT THE ISSUERS MAY ELECT TO ACCRUE

INTEREST PRIOR TO JUNE 15, 2007, WHICH WILL RESULT IN A LOWER PRINCIPAL

AMOUNT AT MATURITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INDENTURE.

 

CUSIP/CINS                     |

Principal Amount at Maturity _____________

 

No. 1 $                    

 

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER COMPANY LLC AND CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER CAPITAL, INC. promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns, the principal sum of                                                               Dollars on June 15, 2009 (or such lesser principal amount specified in the Indenture governing this Note in the event cash interest accrued and was paid on or before June 15, 2007).

 

Interest Payment Dates: June 15 and December 15

 

Record Dates: June 1 and December 1

 

A1-1


CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER COMPANY     LLC
By:   Consolidated Container Holdings LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager
By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER CAPITAL,     INC.
By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

 

Dated: [                    ], 200[    ]

 

This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture:

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,

    as Trustee

By:    
   
   

Authorized Signatory

 

A1-2


[Back of Note]

 

10 3/4% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2009

 

[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

 

[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

 

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

 

1. Interest. (a) Consolidated Container Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”) and Consolidated Container Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Capital,” and together with the Company, the “Issuers”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount at maturity of this Note at 10¾% per annum. Unless the Issuers elect to pay cash interest as described below, prior to June 15, 2007, principal on this Note will accrete in the form of an increase in the Accreted Value of the Note compounded semiannually on each June 15 and December 15 (each an “Interest Payment Date”) commencing June 15, 2004, to an aggregate principal amount of $1,000 per Note at June 15, 2007. Commencing on June 15, 2007, cash interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of 10¾% per annum and will be payable in cash semiannually on each Interest Payment Date, commencing on December 15, 2007, to holders of record on the immediately preceding June 1 and December 1, respectively.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers may irrevocably elect to commence accruing cash interest on the Notes before June 15, 2007. If the Issuers do elect to begin accruing and paying cash interest, such election must be made and declared on or before the Interest Payment Date (the “Cash Election Date”) preceding the first cash interest payment. From and after the Cash Election Date, (i) the Issuers will be obligated to pay cash interest on each subsequent Interest Payment Date, (ii) the principal amount of the Notes will cease to accrete, and cash interest shall begin to accrue, after the Cash Election Date and (iii) the outstanding principal amount at maturity of each Note will be equal to the Accreted Value of such Note as of the Cash Election Date.

 

(c) Except as otherwise described in the subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Paragraph 1, cash interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no cash interest on the Notes has been paid prior to June 15, 2007, from and including June 15, 2007; provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a Record Date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date. The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time at a rate that is equal to the rate then in effect on the Notes pursuant to Section 2.12 of this Indenture. The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time at the same rate to the extent lawful on the Notes pursuant to Section

 

A1-3


2.12 of the Indenture. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

2. Method of Payment. The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Liquidated Damages to the Holders of record at the close of business on the June 1 or December 1 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes will be payable as to Accreted Value, premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose within or without the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest and Liquidated Damages may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders, provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to Accreted Value of and interest, premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

 

3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, The Bank of New York, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

 

4. Indenture. The Issuers issued this Note under an Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2004 (“Indenture”), between the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Notes are obligations of the Issuers limited in aggregate principal amount at maturity as specified in Section 2.02 of the Indenture.

 

5. Optional Redemption.

 

(a) Except as set forth in subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph 5, the Issuers shall not have the option to redeem the Notes prior to June 15, 2007. On or after June 15, 2007, the Issuers may redeem all or part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 90 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of Accreted Value) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the periods indicated below:

 

Year


   Percentage

 

From June 15, 2007 through June 14, 2008

   105.375 %

From June 15, 2008 through November 14, 2008

   102.688 %

November 15, 2008 and thereafter

   100.000 %

 

A1-4


(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 5, at any time prior to June 15, 2007, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the total principal amount at maturity of Notes issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 110.75% of the Accreted Value thereof, plus accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings of the Company (or of Holdings to the extent such proceeds are contributed to the Company); provided that (i) at least 65% of the total principal amount at maturity of Notes issued under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries) and (ii) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.

 

6. Mandatory Redemption. Except as set forth in paragraph 7 below, the Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

7. Repurchase at Option of Holder.

 

(a) If there is a Change of Control, as defined in Section 1.01 of the Indenture, the Issuers shall be required to make a Change of Control Offer pursuant to Section 4.15 of the Indenture. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers shall mail a notice to each Holder setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer as required by the Indenture.

 

(b) If the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary consummates any Asset Sales, within ten Business Days of each date on which the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Issuers shall commence and conduct an Asset Sale Offer pursuant to Sections 3.09 and 4.10 of the Indenture. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes that are the subject of an Asset Sale Offer prior to any related purchase date may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Notes.

 

8. Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address. Notes in denominations larger than $1,000 principal amount at maturity may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 principal amount at maturity, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the redemption date principal ceases to accrete and interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

9. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 principal amount at maturity and integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount at maturity (Holders of this Note are advised that the stated $1,000 “principal amount at maturity” of each of the Notes will not be achieved if the Issuers elect to accrue cash interest prior to June 15, 2007, in accordance with the terms of this Note and the Indenture). The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Issuers may require a Holder to

 

A1-5


pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before the mailing of a notice of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding Interest Payment Date.

 

10. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

 

11. Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. The Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented only as set forth in Article 9 of the Indenture.

 

12. Defaults and Remedies. Events of Default, acceleration and other remedies, and related matters are set forth in Article 6 of the Indenture.

 

13. Trustee Dealings With Issuers. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Issuers or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Issuers or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.

 

14. No Recourse Against Others. A manager, director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or member, of any of the Issuers, as such, shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers under the Notes or the Guarantors under the Guarantees or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

 

15. Authentication. This Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

 

16. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A ( =Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

 

17. Additional Rights of Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 2004, between the Issuers and the parties named on the signature pages thereof (the “Registration Rights Agreement”).

 

18. CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

A1-6


The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to:

 

Consolidated Container Company LLC

Consolidated Container Capital, Inc.

3101 Towercreek Parkway, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30339

Attention: General Counsel

 

19. Governing Law. THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES WILL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

 

A1-7


ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to: _________________________________________________________________________

(Insert assignee’s legal name)

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

 

and irrevocably appoint                                                                                                                                                                              to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuers. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

Date:                                 

 

Your Signature:    
   
    (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

 

Signature Guarantee*:    
   

 

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

A1-8


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

 

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

 

     Section 4.10                           Section 4.15

 

If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

 

$                                    

 

Date:                                 

 

Your Signature:    
   
    (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

 

Tax Identification No.:    
   
Signature Guarantee*:    
   

 

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

A1-9


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE

 

The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of
Exchange


   Amount of decrease
in Principal
Amount
of this Global Note


   Amount of in-
crease in Principal
Amount of
this Global Note


   Principal
Amount
of this Global
Note following
such decrease
(or increase)


   Signature of
authorized signa-
tory
of Trustee or
Note Custodian


 

A1-10


EXHIBIT A2

 

[Face of Regulation S Temporary Global Note]

 

10¾% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2009

 

THIS NOTE IS ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR PURPOSES OF

SECTION 1271 ET SEQ. OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. THE ISSUE DATE OF

THIS NOTE IS MAY 20, 2004 AND THE YIELD IS 10¾%, COMPOUNDED SEMI-

ANNUALLY UP TO JUNE 15, 2007, AFTER WHICH CASH INTEREST WILL ACCRUE.

FOR EACH $1,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY OF THIS NOTE, THE ISSUE

PRICE IS $725.13 AND THE TOTAL ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT OVER THE TERM OF

THIS NOTE IS $274.87; PROVIDED THAT THE ISSUERS MAY ELECT TO ACCRUE AND

PAY CASH INTEREST PRIOR TO JUNE 15, 2007, WHICH WILL RESULT IN A LOWER

PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INDENTURE.

 

CUSIP/CINS                     |

Principal amount at Maturity                         

 

No. S-1 $                    

 

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER COMPANY LLC AND CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER CAPITAL, INC.

 

promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns, the principal sum of                                                                                            Dollars on June 15, 2009 (or such lesser principal amount specified in the Indenture governing this Note in the event cash interest accrued and was paid on or before June 15, 2007).

 

Interest Payment Dates: June 15 and December 15

 

Record Dates: June 1 and December 1

 

A2-1


CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER COMPANY

    LLC

By:

 

Consolidated Container Holdings LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager

By:

   
   
   

Name:

    Title:

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER CAPITAL,

    INC.

By:

   
   
   

Name:

    Title:

 

Dated: [                    ], 200[  ]

 

This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture:

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Trustee

By:    
   
   

Authorized Signatory

 

A2-2


[Back of Regulation S Temporary Global Note]

 

10¾% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2009

 

THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN). NEITHER THE HOLDER NOR THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF THIS REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE PAYMENT OF INTEREST HEREON.

 

“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ISSUERS.

 

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE ISSUERS OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY(AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.”

 

THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE NEXT SENTENCE. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE HOLDER: (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (A “QIB”), (B) IT HAS ACQUIRED THIS NOTE IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (C) IT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(A) (1), (2), (3) OR (7) OR REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (AN “IAI”), (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE EXCEPT (A) TO THE ISSUERS

 

A2-3


OR ANY OF OUR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES, (B) TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QIB PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QIB IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (C) IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 904 OF THE SECURITIES ACT, (D) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) TO AN IAI THAT, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISHES THE TRUSTEE A SIGNED LETTER CONTAINING CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (THE FORM OF WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE) AND, IF SUCH TRANSFER IS IN RESPECT OF AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY OF NOTES LESS THAN $250,000, AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUERS THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT, (F) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANOTHER EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (AND BASED UPON AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE ISSUERS) OR (G) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND, IN EACH CASE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER APPLICABLE JURISDICTION AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.

 

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

 

1. Interest. (a) Consolidated Container Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”) and Consolidated Container Capital, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Capital,” and together with the Company, the “Issuers”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount at maturity of this Note at 10¾% per annum. Unless the Issuers elect to pay cash interest as described below, prior to June 15, 2007, principal on this Note will accrete in the form of an increase in the Accreted Value of the Note compounded semiannually on each June 15 and December 15 (each an “Interest Payment Date”) commencing June 15, 2004, to an aggregate principal amount of $1,000 per Note at June 15, 2007. Commencing on June 15, 2007, cash interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of 10¾% per annum and will be payable in cash semiannually on each Interest Payment Date, commencing on December 15, 2007, to holders of record on the immediately preceding June 1 and December 1, respectively.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuers may irrevocably elect to commence accruing cash interest on the Notes before June 15, 2007. If the Issuers do elect to begin accruing and paying cash interest, such election must be made and declared on or before the Interest Payment Date (the “Cash Election Date”) preceding the first cash interest payment. From and after the Cash Election Date, (i) the Issuers will be obligated to pay cash interest on each subsequent Interest Payment Date, (ii) the principal amount of the Notes will cease to accrete, and cash interest shall begin to accrue, after the Cash Election Date and (iii) the outstanding principal amount at maturity of each Note will be equal to the Accreted Value of such Note as of the Cash Election Date.

 

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(c) Except as otherwise described in the subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Paragraph 1, cash interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no cash interest on the Notes has been paid prior to June 15, 2007, from and including June 15, 2007; provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a Record Date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date. The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time at a rate that is equal to the rate then in effect on the Notes pursuant to Section 2.12 of this Indenture. The Issuers shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time at the same rate to the extent lawful on the Notes pursuant to Section 2.12 of the Indenture. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

2. Method of Payment. The Issuers will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Liquidated Damages to the Holders of record at the close of business on the June 1 or December 1 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes will be payable as to Accreted Value, premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Issuers maintained for such purpose within or without the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the Issuers, payment of interest and Liquidated Damages may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders, provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to Accreted Value of and interest, premium, if any, and Liquidated Damages on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Issuers or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

 

3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, The Bank of New York, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuers may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

 

4. Indenture. The Issuers issued this Note under an Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2004 (“Indenture”), between the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Notes are obligations of the Issuers limited in aggregate principal amount at maturity as specified in Section 2.02 of the Indenture.

 

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5. Optional Redemption.

 

(c) Except as set forth in subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph 5, the Issuers shall not have the option to redeem the Notes prior to June 15, 2007. On or after June 15, 2007, the Issuers may redeem all or part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 90 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of Accreted Value) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages thereon, if any, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the periods indicated below:

 

Year


   Percentage

 

From June 15, 2007 through June 14, 2008

   105.375 %

From June 15, 2008 through November 14, 2008

   102.688 %

November 15, 2008 and thereafter

   100.000 %

 

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 5, at any time prior to June 15, 2007, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the total principal amount at maturity of Notes issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 110.75% of the Accreted Value thereof, plus accrued and unpaid cash interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings of the Company (or of Holdings to the extent such proceeds are contributed to the Company); provided that (i) at least 65% of the total principal amount at maturity of Notes issued under the Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption (excluding Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries) and (ii) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.

 

6. Mandatory Redemption. Except as set forth in paragraph 7 below, the Issuers shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

7. Repurchase at Option of Holder.

 

(e) If there is a Change of Control, as defined in Section 1.01 of the Indenture, the Issuers shall be required to make a Change of Control Offer pursuant to Section 4.15 of the Indenture. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Issuers shall mail a notice to each Holder setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer as required by the Indenture.

 

(f) If the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary consummates any Asset Sales, within ten Business Days of each date on which the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, the Issuers shall commence and conduct an Asset Sale Offer pursuant to Sections 3.09 and 4.10 of the Indenture. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Holders of Notes that are the subject of an Asset Sale Offer prior to any related purchase date may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Notes.

 

8. Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed

 

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at its registered address. Notes in denominations larger than $1,000 principal amount at maturity may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000 principal amount at maturity, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the redemption date principal ceases to accrete and interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

 

9. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 principal amount at maturity and integral multiples of $1,000 principal amount at maturity (Holders of this Note are advised that the stated $1,000 “principal amount at maturity” of each of the Notes will not be achieved if the Issuers elect to accrue cash interest prior to June 15, 2007, in accordance with the terms of this Note and the Indenture). The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Issuers may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Issuers need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before the mailing of a notice of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding Interest Payment Date.

 

10. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

 

11. Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. The Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented only as set forth in Article 9 of the Indenture.

 

12. Defaults and Remedies. Events of Default, acceleration and other remedies, and related matters are set forth in Article 6 of the Indenture.

 

13. Trustee Dealings With Issuers. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Issuers or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Issuers or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.

 

14. No Recourse Against Others. A manager, director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or member, of any of the Issuers, as such, shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers under the Notes or the Guarantors under the Guarantees or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

 

15. Authentication. This Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

 

16. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A ( = Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

 

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17. Additional Rights of Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 2004, between the Issuers and the parties named on the signature pages thereof (the “Registration Rights Agreement”).

 

18. CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuers have caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

The Issuers will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to:

 

Consolidated Container Company LLC

Consolidated Container Capital, Inc.

3101 Towercreek Parkway, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30339

Attention: General Counsel

 

19. Governing Law. THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES WILL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

 

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ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

 

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to: _______________________________________________________________________

(Insert assignee’s legal name)

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

 

and irrevocably appoint _________________________________________________________________________________ to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuers. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

Date: ______________________________

 

Your Signature:    
   
   

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

 

Signature Guarantee*:    
   

 

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

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OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

 

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

 

_ Section 4.10                        _ Section 4.15

 

If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Issuers pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

 

$_____________________

 

Date: _________________________

 

Your Signature:    
   
   

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

 

Signature Guarantee*:    
   
Tax Identification No.:    
   
Signature Guarantee*:    
   

 

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

A2-10


SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE

 

The following exchanges of a part of this Regulation S Temporary Global Note for an interest in another Global Note, or of other Restricted Global Notes for an interest in this Regulation S Temporary Global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange


   Amount of decrease
in Principal
Amount of this
Global Note


   Amount of increase
in Principal
Amount of this
Global Note


   Principal
Amount of
this Global
Note following
such decrease
(or increase)


   Signature of
authorized signatory
of Trustee or Note
Custodian


                     

 

A2-11


EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Consolidated Container Company LLC

Consolidated Container Capital, Inc.

3101 Towercreek Parkway, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30339

 

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

 

  Re: Consolidated Container Company LLC’s and

Consolidated Container Capital, Inc.’s $207,000,000

10¾% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2009

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2004 (the “Indenture”), among Consolidated Container Company LLC (the “Company”) and Consolidated Container Capital, Inc. (“Capital” and together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

________________ (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount at maturity of $ ____________ in such Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”), to ___________________ (the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:

 

[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

 

1. _ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note or a Definitive Note Pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

B-1


2. _ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the Temporary Regulation S Global Note, the Regulation S Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note, the Temporary Regulation S Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

3. _ Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the IAI Global Note or a Definitive Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

 

(a) _ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;

 

or

 

(b) _ such Transfer is being effected to the Issuers or a subsidiary thereof;

 

or

 

(c) _ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act;

 

or

 

(d) _ such Transfer is being effected to an Institutional Accredited Investor and pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A, Rule 144 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further certifies that it has not engaged in any general solicitation within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act and the Transfer complies with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted Definitive Notes and the requirements

 

B-2


of the exemption claimed, which certification is supported by (1) a certificate executed by the Transferee and (2) if such Transfer is in respect of a principal amount at maturity of Notes at the time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification), to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the IAI Global Note and/or the Definitive Notes and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

4. Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.

 

(a) _ Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

 

(b) _ Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

 

(c) _ Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

 

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuers.

 

B-3


[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:    
   
   

Name:

Title:

 

Dated:                                    

 

B-4


ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

 

[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]

 

(a) _ a beneficial interest in the:

 

(i) _ 144A Global Note (CUSIP __________), or

 

(ii) _ Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP __________), or

 

[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]

 

(iii) _ IAI Global Note (CUSIP __________), or

 

(b) _ a Restricted Definitive Note.

 

2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold: [CHECK ONE]

 

(a) _ a beneficial interest in the:

 

(i) _ 144A Global Note (CUSIP __________), or

 

(ii) _ Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP __________), or

 

(iii) _ IAI Global Note (CUSIP __________), or

 

(iv) _ Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP __________); or

 

(b) _ a Restricted Definitive Note; or

 

(c) _ an Unrestricted Definitive Note,

 

in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

B-5


EXHIBIT C

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

 

Consolidated Container Company LLC

Consolidated Container Capital, Inc.

3101 Towercreek Parkway, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30339

 

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

 

  Re: Consolidated Container Company LLC’s and

Consolidated Container Capital, Inc.’s $207,000,000

10¾% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2009

 

(CUSIP __________)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2004 (the “Indenture”), among Consolidated Container Company LLC (the “Company”) and Consolidated Container Capital, Inc. (“Capital” and together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

                                                      (the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount at maturity of $                         in such Note[s] or interests (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

 

1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note

 

(a) _ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount at maturity, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

C-1


(b) _ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

(c) _ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

(d) _ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes

 

(a) _ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount at maturity, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue

 

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to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

(b) _ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] ? 144A Global Note, ? Regulation S Global Note, ? IAI Global Note with an equal principal amount at maturity, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

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This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Issuers.

 

[Insert Name of Transferor]
By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

 

Dated:                                

 

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EXHIBIT D

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM

ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR

 

Consolidated Container Company LLC

Consolidated Container Capital, Inc.

3101 Towercreek Parkway

Atlanta, GA 30339

 

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8 West

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

 

  Re: Consolidated Container Company LLC’s and Consolidated Container Capital, Inc.’s $207,000,000 10¾% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2009

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2004 (the “Indenture”), among Consolidated Container Company LLC (the “Company”) and Consolidated Container Capital, Inc. (“Capital” and together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

In connection with our proposed purchase of $                     aggregate principal amount at maturity of:

 

(a) _ a beneficial interest in a Global Note, or

 

(b) _ a Definitive Note,

 

we confirm that:

 

1. We understand that any subsequent transfer of the Notes or any interest therein is subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Indenture and the undersigned agrees to be bound by, and not to resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Notes or any interest therein except in compliance with, such restrictions and conditions and the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

 

2. We understand that the offer and sale of the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, and that the Notes and any interest therein may not be offered or sold except as permitted in the following sentence. We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of any accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should sell the Notes or any interest therein, we will do so only (A) to the Issuers or any subsidiary thereof, (B) in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined therein), (C) to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined below) that, prior to such transfer, furnishes (or has furnished on its behalf by a U.S. broker-dealer) to you and to the Issuers a signed

 

D-1


letter substantially in the form of this letter and, if such transfer is in respect of a principal amount at maturity of Notes, at the time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Issuers to the effect that such transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act, (D) outside the United States in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (E) pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or (F) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree to provide to any person purchasing the Definitive Note or beneficial interest in a Global Note from us in a transaction meeting the requirements of clauses (A) through (E) of this paragraph a notice advising such purchaser that resales thereof are restricted as stated herein.

 

3. We understand that, on any proposed resale of the Notes or beneficial interest therein, we will be required to furnish to you and the Issuers such certifications, legal opinions and other information as you and the Issuers may reasonably require to confirm that the proposed sale complies with the foregoing restrictions. We further understand that the Notes purchased by us will bear a legend to the foregoing effect.

 

4. We are an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act) and have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the Notes, and we and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of our or its investment.

 

5. We are acquiring the Notes or beneficial interest therein purchased by us for our own account or for one or more accounts (each of which is an institutional “accredited investor”) as to each of which we exercise sole investment discretion and without a view to the distribution thereof in violation of the Securities Act.

 

You and the Issuers are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

[Insert Name of Accredited Investor]
By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

 

Dated:                                

 

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EXHIBIT E

 

FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE

 

For value received, each Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture) has, jointly and severally, guaranteed, on a senior secured basis to the extent set forth in the Indenture and subject to the provisions in the Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2004 (the “Indenture”), among Consolidated Container Company LLC (the “Company”) and Consolidated Container Capital, Inc. (“Capital” and together with the Company, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the “Trustee”), (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes (as defined in the Indenture), whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on overdue principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent permitted by law, interest, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Issuers to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. The obligations of the Guarantors to the Holders of Notes and to the Trustee pursuant to the Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article 11 of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Guarantee. Each Holder of a Note, by accepting the same, (a) agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions, (b) authorizes and directs the Trustee, on behalf of such Holder, to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in the Indenture and (c) appoints the Trustee attorney-in-fact of such Holder for such purpose.

 

The Guarantee shall not be valid or obligatory for any purpose until the certificate of authentication on the Note upon which the Guarantee is noted shall have been executed by the Trustee by the manual of facsimile signature of one of its authorized signatories.

 

Dated: [                    ], 200[  ]

 

REID PLASTICS GROUP LLC
By:  

Consolidated Container Company LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager

By:  

Consolidated Container Holdings LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager

By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

 

E-1


PLASTIC CONTAINERS LLC
By:  

Consolidated Container Company LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager

By:  

Consolidated Container Holdings LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager

By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER COMPANY LP
By:  

Plastic Containers LLC, as its General Partner

By:  

Consolidated Container Company LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager

By:  

Consolidated Container Company LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager

By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

CONTINENTAL CARIBBEAN CONTAINERS, INC.

By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

 

E-2


EXHIBIT F

 

FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of                                 , among                                  (the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”), a subsidiary of                                  (or its permitted successor), a [Delaware] corporation (the “Company”), the Issuers, the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein) and The Bank of New York, a New York banking corporation, as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “Trustee”).

 

W I T N E S S E T H

 

WHEREAS, the Issuers have heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of May 20, 2004 providing for the issuance of 10¾% Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2009 (the “Notes”) in an initial issuance of an aggregate principal amount at maturity of up to $207,000,000, and providing for subsequent issuance of Additional Notes;

 

WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee on an unsecured, senior subordinated basis all of the Issuers’ Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “Guarantee”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:

 

1. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

2. Agreement To Guarantee. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees as follows:

 

(a) Along with all Guarantors named in the Indenture, to jointly and severally guarantee on a senior, secured basis to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuers hereunder or thereunder, that:

 

(i) the principal of and interest on the Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and

 

F-1


all other obligations of the Issuers to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and

 

(ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately.

 

(b) The obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or the Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuers, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor.

 

(c) The following is hereby waived: diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Issuers, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuers, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever.

 

(d) This Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and the Indenture, and the Guaranteeing Subsidiary accepts all obligations of a Guarantor under the Indenture.

 

(e) If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Issuers, the Guarantors, or any Custodian, Trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the Issuers or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee or such Holder, this Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect.

 

(f) The Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby.

 

(g) As between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 of the Indenture for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 of the Indenture, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Guarantee.

 

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(h) The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Guarantee.

 

(i) Pursuant to Section 11.03 of the Indenture, after giving effect to any maximum amount and any other contingent and fixed liabilities that are relevant under any applicable Bankruptcy or fraudulent conveyance laws, and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under Article 11 of the Indenture, this new Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount permissible such that the obligations of such Guarantor under this Guarantee will not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under either federal or state law.

 

3. Execution and Delivery. Each Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees that the Guarantees shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Guarantee.

 

4. Guaranteeing Subsidiary May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms.

 

(a) Except as provided in Section 11.06 of the Indenture, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary may not sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person) another Person other than the Company or another Guarantor unless:

 

(i) subject to Section 11.06 of the Indenture, either (i) the Person acquiring the property in such sale or disposition or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than a Guarantor or the Company) unconditionally assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor, pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, under the Notes, the Indenture, the Guarantee, the Security Documents and the Registration Rights Agreement on the terms set forth herein or therein or (ii) the Net Proceeds of such a sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with Sections 3.09 and 4.10 of the Indenture; and

 

(ii) if such merger or consolidation is with a Person other than either of the Issuers or a Restricted Subsidiary immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists.

 

(b) In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance and upon the assumption by the successor Person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory in form to the Trustee, of the Guarantee endorsed upon or annexed to the Notes and the due and punctual performance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Indenture to be performed by the Guarantor, such successor Person shall succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with the same effect as if it had been named herein as a Guarantor. Such successor Person thereupon may cause to be signed any or all of the Guarantees to be endorsed upon or annexed to all of the Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee. All the Guarantees so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under the Indenture as the Guarantees theretofore and thereafter

 

F-3


issued in accordance with the terms of the Indenture as though all of such Guarantees had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.

 

(c) Except as set forth in Articles 4 and 5 of the Indenture, and notwithstanding clauses (a)(i) and (a)(ii) above, nothing contained in the Indenture or in any of the Notes shall prevent any consolidation or merger of a Guarantor with or into the Company or another Guarantor, or shall prevent any sale or conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the Company or another Guarantor.

 

5. Releases.

 

(a) In the event of (i) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, or (ii) a sale or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of any Guarantor, in each case to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transactions) a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, then such Guarantor (in the event of a sale or other disposition, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all of the Capital Stock of such Guarantor) or the Person acquiring the property (in the event of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor) will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Guarantee; provided that the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture. In addition, in the event that the Company properly designates any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Guarantee. Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other disposition was made by the Company in accordance with Section 4.10 of the Indenture, or notification by the Company that a Restricted Subsidiary was designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Guarantee.

 

(b) Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under the Indenture as provided in Article 11 of the Indenture.

 

6. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future manager, director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder, member or agent of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuers or any Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Notes, any Guarantees, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of the Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

 

7. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

 

F-4


8. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

 

9. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

10. The Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Issuers.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first above written.

 

Dated:                     ,         

 

[GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY]

By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER COMPANY LLC

By:  

Consolidated Container Holdings LLC, as its Sole Member and Manager

By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER CAPITAL, INC.

By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

 

F-5


[EXISTING GUARANTORS]
By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Trustee
By:    
   
   

Name:

   

Title:

 

F-6


EXHIBIT G

 

FORM OF INCUMBENCY CERTIFICATE

 

The undersigned,                     , being the                      of                      (the “Company”) does hereby certify that the individuals listed below are qualified and acting officers of the Company as set forth in the right column opposite their respective names and the signatures appearing in the extreme right column opposite the name of each such officer is a true specimen of the genuine signature of such officer and such individuals have the authority to execute documents to be delivered to, or upon the request of, The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the Indenture dated as of                      , 20    , by and between the Company and The Bank of New York.

 

Name


  

Title


  

Signature


_______________

  

_______________

  

_______________

_______________

  

_______________

  

_______________

_______________

  

_______________

  

_______________

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Certificate as of the              day of                     , 20    .

 

         
   
   

Name:

   
       
   

Title:

   
       

 

G-1


Schedule I

 

SCHEDULE OF GUARANTORS

 

The following schedule lists each Guarantor under the Indenture as of the date of the Indenture:

 

Reid Plastics Group LLC

Plastic Containers LLC

Continental Caribbean Containers, Inc.

Consolidated Container Company LP

 

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