TERM LOAN AGREEMENT Datedas of February 1, 2017, among PANERA BREAD COMPANY, as the Borrower, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Documentation Agent The OtherLenders Party Hereto, and MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Exhibit 10.1
Execution Version
Published CUSIP Number: 69840VAL4
Published Term Loan CUSIP Number: 69840VAM2
TERM LOAN AGREEMENT
Dated as of February 1, 2017,
among
PANERA BREAD COMPANY,
as the Borrower,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent,
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Syndication Agent,
and
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
as Documentation Agent
The Other Lenders Party Hereto,
and
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,
as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I | DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS | 1 | ||||
1.01 | Defined Terms | 1 | ||||
1.02 | Other Interpretive Provisions | 22 | ||||
1.03 | Accounting Terms | 23 | ||||
1.04 | Rounding | 23 | ||||
1.05 | Times of Day | 24 | ||||
ARTICLE II | THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS | 24 | ||||
2.01 | Borrowing of Term Loans | 24 | ||||
2.02 | Conversions and Continuations of Term Loans | 24 | ||||
2.03 | Intentionally Omitted | 25 | ||||
2.04 | Intentionally Omitted | 25 | ||||
2.05 | Prepayments | 25 | ||||
2.06 | Intentionally Omitted | 26 | ||||
2.07 | Repayment of Loans | 26 | ||||
2.08 | Interest | 26 | ||||
2.09 | Fees | 27 | ||||
2.10 | Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate | 28 | ||||
2.11 | Evidence of Debt | 28 | ||||
2.12 | Payments Generally; Administrative Agents Clawback | 29 | ||||
2.13 | Sharing of Payments by Lenders | 30 | ||||
2.14 | Increase in Commitments | 31 | ||||
2.15 | Intentionally Omitted | 32 | ||||
2.16 | Intentionally Omitted | 32 | ||||
2.17 | Defaulting Lenders | 32 | ||||
ARTICLE III | TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY | 33 | ||||
3.01 | Taxes | 33 | ||||
3.02 | Illegality | 37 | ||||
3.03 | Inability to Determine Rates | 38 | ||||
3.04 | Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans | 38 | ||||
3.05 | Compensation for Losses | 39 | ||||
3.06 | Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders | 40 | ||||
3.07 | Survival | 40 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS | 40 | ||||
4.01 | Conditions of Initial Credit Extension | 40 | ||||
4.02 | Conditions to all Credit Extensions | 42 | ||||
ARTICLE V | REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 43 | ||||
5.01 | Existence, Qualification and Power | 43 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
5.02 | Authorization; No Contravention | 43 | ||||
5.03 | Governmental Authorization; Other Consents | 43 | ||||
5.04 | Binding Effect | 43 | ||||
5.05 | Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect | 43 | ||||
5.06 | Litigation | 44 | ||||
5.07 | No Default | 44 | ||||
5.08 | Ownership of Property; Liens | 44 | ||||
5.09 | Environmental Compliance | 44 | ||||
5.10 | Insurance | 44 | ||||
5.11 | Taxes | 45 | ||||
5.12 | ERISA Compliance | 45 | ||||
5.13 | Subsidiaries; Equity Interests | 45 | ||||
5.14 | Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act | 46 | ||||
5.15 | Disclosure | 46 | ||||
5.16 | Compliance with Laws | 46 | ||||
5.17 | Taxpayer Identification Number | 46 | ||||
5.18 | Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc | 46 | ||||
5.19 | Solvency | 46 | ||||
5.20 | OFAC | 47 | ||||
5.21 | Anti-Corruption Laws | 47 | ||||
5.22 | EEA Financial Institution | 47 | ||||
ARTICLE VI | AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 47 | ||||
6.01 | Financial Statements | 47 | ||||
6.02 | Certificates; Other Information | 48 | ||||
6.03 | Notices | 49 | ||||
6.04 | Payment of Obligations | 50 | ||||
6.05 | Preservation of Existence, Etc | 50 | ||||
6.06 | Maintenance of Properties | 50 | ||||
6.07 | Maintenance of Insurance | 50 | ||||
6.08 | Compliance with Laws | 51 | ||||
6.09 | Books and Records | 51 | ||||
6.10 | Inspection Rights | 51 | ||||
6.11 | Use of Proceeds | 51 | ||||
6.12 | Additional Guarantors | 51 | ||||
6.13 | Material Contracts | 52 | ||||
6.14 | Further Assurances | 52 | ||||
6.15 | Anti-Corruption Laws | 52 | ||||
ARTICLE VII | NEGATIVE COVENANTS | 52 | ||||
7.01 | Liens | 52 | ||||
7.02 | Foreign Subsidiary Investments | 54 | ||||
7.03 | Subsidiary Indebtedness | 54 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
7.04 | Fundamental Changes | 55 | ||||
7.05 | Dispositions | 56 | ||||
7.06 | Restricted Payments | 57 | ||||
7.07 | Change in Nature of Business | 57 | ||||
7.08 | Transactions with Affiliates | 57 | ||||
7.09 | Burdensome Agreements | 58 | ||||
7.10 | Use of Proceeds | 58 | ||||
7.11 | Financial Covenants | 58 | ||||
7.12 | Amendments of Organization Documents | 58 | ||||
7.13 | Accounting Changes | 58 | ||||
7.14 | [Reserved.] | 58 | ||||
7.15 | Sanctions | 58 | ||||
7.16 | Anti-Corruption Laws | 59 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII | EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES | 59 | ||||
8.01 | Events of Default | 59 | ||||
8.02 | Remedies Upon Event of Default | 61 | ||||
8.03 | Application of Funds | 61 | ||||
ARTICLE IX | ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | 62 | ||||
9.01 | Appointment and Authority | 62 | ||||
9.02 | Rights as a Lender | 62 | ||||
9.03 | Exculpatory Provisions | 62 | ||||
9.04 | Reliance by Administrative Agent | 63 | ||||
9.05 | Delegation of Duties | 63 | ||||
9.06 | Resignation of Administrative Agent | 64 | ||||
9.07 | Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders | 65 | ||||
9.08 | No Other Duties, Etc | 65 | ||||
9.09 | Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim | 65 | ||||
9.10 | Collateral and Guaranty Matters | 66 | ||||
ARTICLE X | MISCELLANEOUS | 66 | ||||
10.01 | Amendments, Etc | 66 | ||||
10.02 | Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication | 67 | ||||
10.03 | No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies | 70 | ||||
10.04 | Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver | 70 | ||||
10.05 | Payments Set Aside | 72 | ||||
10.06 | Successors and Assigns | 73 | ||||
10.07 | Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality | 77 | ||||
10.08 | Right of Setoff | 78 | ||||
10.09 | Interest Rate Limitation | 79 | ||||
10.10 | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | 79 | ||||
10.11 | Survival of Representations and Warranties | 79 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||||||
10.12 | Severability | 79 | ||||
10.13 | Replacement of Lenders | 80 | ||||
10.14 | Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc | 80 | ||||
10.15 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 81 | ||||
10.16 | No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility | 82 | ||||
10.17 | Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents | 82 | ||||
10.18 | USA PATRIOT Act Notice | 82 | ||||
10.19 | Margin Securities | 83 | ||||
10.20 | Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institution | 83 | ||||
10.21 | ENTIRE AGREEMENT | 83 |
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SCHEDULES
2.01 | Commitments and Applicable Percentages | |
5.05 | Supplement to Interim Financial Statements | |
5.06 | Litigation | |
5.09 | Environmental Matters | |
5.11 | Tax Sharing Arrangements | |
5.13 | Subsidiaries; Other Equity Investments | |
5.18 | Intellectual Property Matters | |
7.01 | Existing Liens | |
7.02 | Existing Investments | |
10.02 | Administrative Agents Office; Certain Addresses for Notices |
EXHIBITS
Form of
A | Term Loan Notice | |
B | Reserved | |
C | Note | |
D | Compliance Certificate | |
E-1 | Assignment and Assumption | |
E-2 | Administrative Questionnaire | |
F | Guaranty |
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TERM LOAN AGREEMENT
This TERM LOAN AGREEMENT (Agreement) is entered into as of February 1, 2017, among PANERA BREAD COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the Borrower), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the Lenders and individually, a Lender), BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the Administrative Agent), and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. as Syndication Agent (Syndication Agent).
The Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide a term loan facility, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
1.01 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
Acquisition means any transaction pursuant to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (a) acquires all or substantially all of the Equity Interests of any Person (other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower), or otherwise makes any Person a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or causes any Person other than a Subsidiary to be merged into the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (b) purchases all or substantially all of the business or assets of any Person (other than the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower).
Administrative Agent means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
Administrative Agents Office means the Administrative Agents address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to the Borrower and the Lenders.
Administrative Questionnaire means an Administrative Questionnaire in substantially the form of Exhibit E-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
Aggregate Commitments means the Commitments of all the Lenders. As of the Closing Date, the Aggregate Commitments shall equal $200,000,000.
Agreement means this Term Loan Agreement.
Anti-Corruption Laws has the meaning specified in Section 5.21.
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Applicable Percentage means with respect to any Lender (i) on or prior to the Closing Date, percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lenders Commitment at such time, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.14 or Section 2.17 and (ii) thereafter, the principal amount of such Lenders Term Loans outstanding at such time. If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans has been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.
Applicable Rate means (a) from the Closing Date to the date on which the Administrative Agent receives a Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.02(a) for the fiscal quarter ending March 28, 2017, the applicable percentages set forth in Pricing Level II below and (b) thereafter, the applicable percentage per annum set forth below determined by reference to the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.02(a):
Applicable Rate
Pricing Level | Consolidated Leverage Ratio | Eurodollar Rate | Base Rate | Ticking Fee | ||||
I | <0.75:1 | 1.00% | 0.00% | 0.10% | ||||
II | >0.75:1 but <1.50:1 | 1.125% | 0.125% | 0.125% | ||||
III | >1.50:1 but <2.25:1 | 1.25% | 0.25% | 0.15% | ||||
IV | >2.25:1 but <2.75:1 | 1.375% | 0.375% | 0.175% | ||||
V | >2.75:1 | 1.500% | 0.500% | 0.25% |
Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a); provided, however, that if a Compliance Certificate is not delivered within two (2) Business Days after when due in accordance with such Section, then Pricing Level V shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, the determination of the Applicable Rate for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(b).
Approved Fund means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
Arranger means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, in its capacity as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner.
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Assignee Group means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed by the same investment advisor.
Assignment and Assumption means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.06(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit E-1 or any other form (including electronic documentation generated by use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.
Attributable Indebtedness means, on any date, (a) in respect of any capital lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, and (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease payments under the relevant lease that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease were accounted for as a capital lease.
Audited Financial Statements means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto.
Availability Period means the period from and including the Closing Date through and including May 1, 2017 or such earlier date as all the Commitments may terminate as provided herein.
Bail-In Action means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.
Bail-In Legislation means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
Bank of America means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.
Base Rate means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its prime rate, and (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%; and if Base Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement. The prime rate is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of Americas costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such prime rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.
Base Rate Term Loan means a Term Loan that is a Base Rate Loan.
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Base Rate Loan means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
Borrower has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
Borrower Materials has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.
Borrowing means a Term Loan Borrowing.
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agents Office is located and, if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.
Change in Law means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a Change in Law, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.
Change of Control means an event or series of events by which:
(a) any person or group (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan or any Permitted Holder) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the equity securities of the Borrower entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Borrower on a fully-diluted basis; or
(b) a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Borrower cease to be composed of Continuing Directors.
Closing Date means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 10.01.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Commitment means, as to each Lender, its obligation to make Term Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding
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not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lenders name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
Compliance Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D.
Consolidated EBITDA means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, an amount equal to Consolidated Net Income for such period plus (a) the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) Consolidated Total Interest Expense for such period, (ii) total net income tax expense in accordance with GAAP, (iii) consolidated depreciation and amortization expense (net of amortization of deferred rent incentives included in depreciation and amortization), (iv) Consolidated Pre-Opening Expenses as set out on the Borrowers consolidated income statement, (v) non-cash charges related to stock incentive plans, (vi) non-cash charges related to incentive based compensation, (vii) extraordinary items of expense incurred in accordance with GAAP, and (viii) other nonrecurring expenses of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries reducing such Consolidated Net Income which do not represent a cash item in such period or any future period, and minus (b) the following to the extent included in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) total net income tax benefit in accordance with GAAP, (ii) extraordinary items of income realized in accordance with GAAP, and (iii) all non-cash items of income increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period.
Consolidated EBITDAR means, for any period, the sum of (i) the Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period, plus (ii) Consolidated Rental Expense for such period but without duplication of rental expense included in the calculation of Consolidated Pre-Opening Expenses, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDAR for the Reference Period ending on such date to (b) the sum of (i) Consolidated Total Interest Expense for such Reference Period plus (ii) Consolidated Rental Expense for such Reference Period.
Consolidated Funded Indebtedness means, as of any date of determination, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of all obligations, whether current or long-term, for borrowed money (including Obligations hereunder) and all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments, (b) all purchase money Indebtedness (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business), (c) all direct obligations arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments, (d) all obligations in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business), (e) Attributable Indebtedness in respect of capital leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations, (f) without duplication, all Guarantees with respect to outstanding Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (a) through (e) above of Persons other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and (g) all Indebtedness of the types referred to in clauses (a) through (f) above of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited
5
liability company) in which the Borrower or a Subsidiary is a general partner or joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to the Borrower or such Subsidiary. For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness shall not include (i) obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries under any Swap Contracts and (ii) so long as such Indebtedness is not Guaranteed by a Loan Party, Consolidated Funded Indebtedness of a non-wholly owned Subsidiary in amount equal to the Consolidated Funded Indebtedness of such Subsidiary times the percentage of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary which is not held by the Borrower or another Subsidiary.
Consolidated Leverage Ratio means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the Reference Period most recently ended; provided, however, that Consolidated EBITDA for any Reference Period shall be calculated after giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis to any Permitted Acquisition or Permitted Disposition which occurred during or after such Reference Period or, in the case of Section 7.06(d), which requires a calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the Reference Period most recently ended prior to such event, Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated after giving effect on a Pro Forma Basis to any such event which occurred after such Reference Period end date.
Consolidated Net Income means, for any period, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the net income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for that period in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Pre-Opening Expenses means Start-up costs (such term used herein as defined in SOP 98-5 published by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) incurred by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis related to the acquisition, opening and organizing of New Operating Units, such costs to include, without limitation, rental expenses prior to the opening of a New Operating Unit, food costs, the cost of feasibility studies, staff-training, and smallware and recruiting and travel costs for employees engaged in such startup activities.
Consolidated Rental Expense means, for any period, all rental expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, incurred under any rental agreements or leases of real property, including space leases and ground leases, other than obligations in respect of any capitalized leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations.
Consolidated Tangible Net Worth means, as of any date of determination, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, Shareholders Equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on that date minus the Intangible Assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on that date.
Consolidated Total Interest Expense means, for any period, the aggregate amount of interest expense of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period on all Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries outstanding during all or any part of such period, including payments consisting of interest in respect of capitalized leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations and including commitment fees, premium payments, debt discount, agents fees, periodic facility fees, balance deficiency fees and similar fees or expenses in connection with the borrowing of money in accordance with GAAP.
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Continuing Directors means the directors of the Borrower on the Closing Date, and each other director of the Borrower, whose election to the board of directors of the Borrower or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Borrower was approved by a majority of the then Continuing Directors of the Borrower, whether or not directors on the Closing Date (such approval either by a specific vote or by approval of the Borrowers proxy statement).
Contractual Obligation means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
Control means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. Controlling and Controlled have meanings correlative thereto.
Credit Extension means a Borrowing.
Debtor Relief Laws means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
Default means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
Default Rate means an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum.
Defaulting Lender means, subject to Section 2.17(b), any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lenders determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lenders obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lenders determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or
7
public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity, or (iii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above, and of the effective date of such status, shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.17(b)) as of the date established therefor by the Administrative Agent in a written notice of such determination, which shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower and each other Lender promptly following such determination.
Designated Jurisdiction means any country or territory to the extent that such country or territory itself is the subject of any Sanction.
Disposition or Dispose means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction but excluding sale and leaseback transactions where the property is sold within 365 days of the acquisition thereof) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.
Dollar and $ mean lawful money of the United States.
Domestic Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States.
EEA Financial Institution means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
EEA Member Country means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
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EEA Resolution Authority means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.
Eligible Assignee means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii) and (v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii)).
Environmental Laws means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems.
Environmental Liability means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
Equity Interests means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.
ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
ERISA Affiliate means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).
ERISA Event means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in
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reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) any event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) the determination that any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan is considered an at-risk plan or a plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Sections 430, 431 and 432 of the Code or Sections 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA; or (g) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.
EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.
Eurodollar Rate means:
(a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), as published on the applicable Bloomberg screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period and, if such rate is not available, a comparable or successor rate which rate is approved by the Administrative Agent; and if the Eurodollar Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed zero for purposes of this Agreement; and
(b) for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to LIBOR, at or about 11:00 a.m., London time determined two Business Days prior to such date for Dollar deposits with a term of one month commencing that day;
provided that to the extent a comparable or successor rate is approved by the Administrative Agent in connection herewith, the approved rate shall be applied in a manner consistent with market practice; provided, further that to the extent such market practice is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, such approved rate shall be applied in a manner as otherwise reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.
Eurodollar Rate Loan means a Term Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurodollar Rate.
Event of Default has the meaning specified in Section 8.01.
Excluded Subsidiaries means, collectively, (a) any Domestic Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary, and (b) any Foreign Subsidiary.
Excluded Taxes means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the jurisdiction (or any
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political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located, or by any jurisdiction as a result of a present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such tax (or any political subdivision thereof), other than any such connection arising from such recipient having executed, delivered or performed its obligations or received any payment under, or enforced, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located or by any jurisdiction described in (a), (c) in the case of a Lender, any United states federal withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 10.13) at the time such Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new Lending Office) (except to the extent that such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a)) or is attributable to such Lenders failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with Section 3.01(e), and (d) and any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.
FASB ASC means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
FATCA means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471 (b) (1) of the Code.
Federal Funds Rate means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.
Fee Letter means the fee letter agreement, dated January 6, 2017 among the Borrower, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated and Bank of America, N.A.
Fiscal Quarter means each fiscal quarter of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries which is comprised of 13 weeks except when there are 53 weeks in the Borrowers Fiscal Year, in which event the last quarter of such year is comprised of 14 weeks.
Fiscal Year means a 52 week year comprised of four 13 week quarters except for such years that are a 53 week year comprised of three 13 week quarters and a last quarter of 14 weeks.
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Foreign Lender means any Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes or any other Lender that is not a U.S. Person. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
Foreign Subsidiary means any Subsidiary other than a Domestic Subsidiary.
FRB means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
Fund means any Person (other than a natural Person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.
Funding Indemnity Letter means that certain letter agreement, dated on or about the date hereof, executed by the Borrower and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.
Governmental Authority means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).
Guarantee means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness payable by another Person (the primary obligor) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of
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such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term Guarantee as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
Guarantors means, collectively, as of the Closing Date, each Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower (other than (i) any Domestic Subsidiaries that are Excluded Subsidiaries or (ii) Domestic Subsidiaries that are not wholly owned Subsidiaries and are prohibited or not permitted from becoming Guarantors pursuant to such Persons Organization Documents or applicable vote or consent of its board of directors or other governing body) and each other Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower that shall be required to execute and deliver a guaranty or guaranty supplement pursuant to Section 6.12.
Guaranty means, collectively, Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, substantially in the form of Exhibit F, together with each other guaranty or guaranty supplement delivered pursuant to Section 6.12.
Hazardous Materials means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
Immaterial Subsidiary means a Domestic Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary.
Increasing Lender has the meaning specified in Section 2.14.
Indebtedness means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:
(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
(b) all direct or contingent obligations of such Person arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments;
(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business);
(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;
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(f) capital leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations;
(g) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Equity Interest in such Person, valued, in the case of a redeemable preferred interest, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends; and
(h) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Person. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of any capital lease or Synthetic Lease Obligation as of any date shall be deemed to be the amount of Attributable Indebtedness in respect thereof as of such date.
Indemnified Taxes means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
Indemnitees has the meaning specified in Section 10.04(b).
Information has the meaning specified in Section 10.07.
Intangible Assets means assets that are considered to be intangible assets under GAAP, including customer lists, goodwill, computer software, copyrights, trade names, trademarks, patents, franchises, licenses, unamortized deferred charges, unamortized debt discount and capitalized research and development costs.
Interest Payment Date means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided, however, that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date.
Interest Period means, as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Term Loan Notice; provided that:
(a) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loan, such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;
(b) any Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Rate Loan that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and
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(c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.
Investment means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of capital stock or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of debt of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person and any arrangement pursuant to which the investor Guarantees Indebtedness of such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute a business unit. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
IP Rights has the meaning specified in Section 5.18.
IRS means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Laws means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law.
Lender has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph.
Lending Office means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lenders Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, which office may include any Affiliate of such Lender or any domestic or foreign branch of such Lender or such Affiliate. Unless the context otherwise requires each reference to a Lender shall include its applicable Lending Office.
LIBOR has the meaning specified in the definition of Eurodollar Rate.
Lien means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing), but not including the retained interest of a lessor under an operating lease in the property that is the subject of such lease or the filing of any financing statements in connection with such lease.
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Loan means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Term Loan.
Loan Documents means this Agreement, each Note and the Guaranty.
Loan Parties means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.
Material Adverse Effect means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to perform their obligations under the Loan Documents, taken as a whole; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party.
Material Contract means, with respect to any Person, each contract to which such Person is a party which is material to the operations, business, assets, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of such Person and the termination of which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
Material Subsidiary means, as of any date of determination, any Person with respect to which any of the following criteria has been met: (a) the aggregate revenue generated by such Person for the relevant Reference Period equals or exceeds an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the consolidated aggregate revenues generated by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such Reference Period, or (b) the aggregate book value of the assets of such Person equals or exceeds five percent (5%) of the then current book value of the aggregate assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. A Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary at any date pursuant to this definition shall continue to be or be deemed to be a Material Subsidiary at all times thereafter, without regard to the results of any future re-determination pursuant to this definition.
Maturity Date means February 1, 2022; provided, however, that if such date is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.
Multiemployer Plan means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.
New Operating Units means Units whose ownership or operation by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries started on a date after March 30, 2016.
Non-Defaulting Lender means, at any time, each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.
Non-Consenting Lender has the meaning specified in Section 10.01.
Note means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit C.
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Obligations means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.
OFAC means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
Organization Documents means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
Other Taxes means all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
Outstanding Amount means Term Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Term Loans occurring on such date.
Participant has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d).
PBGC means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
Pension Plan means any employee pension benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five plan years.
Permitted Acquisition means any Acquisition as to which both immediately prior to and after, on a Pro Forma Basis, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from such Acquisition.
Permitted Disposition means a Disposition expressly permitted by Section 7.05.
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Permitted Holder means Ronald Shaich, his spouse, his children, his grandchildren, his estate and trusts created for the benefit of any of the foregoing.
Person means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
Plan means any employee benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by the Borrower or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.
Platform has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.
Pro Forma Basis means, with respect to any Permitted Acquisition, Permitted Disposition or Restricted Payment, the calculation of Consolidated Leverage Ratio for the Reference Period most recently ended prior to such Permitted Acquisition, Permitted Disposition or Restricted Payment as if such Permitted Acquisition, Permitted Disposition or Restricted Payment had occurred immediately prior to the first day of such Reference Period. For purposes of making this pro forma calculation of Consolidated Leverage Ratio, adjustments described in clauses (a), (b) and (c) below (all such adjustments to be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) shall be included:
(a) (i) all Indebtedness (whether under this Agreement or otherwise), other liabilities and any other balance sheet adjustments incurred, made or assumed in connection with a Permitted Acquisition or Restricted Payment shall be deemed to have been incurred, made or assumed as of the first day of the relevant Reference Period and (ii) all Indebtedness which was repaid, released or satisfied in connection with such Permitted Disposition, all Indebtedness of the Person acquired or to be acquired in such Permitted Acquisition or which is attributable to the business, business division, Unit, restaurant or Person acquired or to be acquired and all Indebtedness incurred in connection with a Restricted Payment, which was or will have been repaid, released or satisfied in connection with the consummation of the Permitted Acquisition or Restricted Payment in each case shall be deemed to have been repaid as of the first day of the relevant Reference Period;
(b) other reasonable specified cost savings, expenses and other income statement or operating statement adjustments which are attributable to the change in ownership resulting from such acquisition or Permitted Disposition as may be approved by the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, in writing shall be deemed to have been realized on the first day of the Reference Period most recently ended; and
(c) for purposes of calculating Consolidated EBITDA for the relevant Reference Period, the financial results of the business, business division, Unit, restaurant or Person, as applicable, to be acquired shall be calculated and included by reference to the audited (if available) or management certified (if audited results are not available) and in any event, if audited or management certified results are not available, historical financial results (so long as such results are in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) of such business, business division, restaurant or Person, as applicable, to be so acquired.
Public Lender has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.
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Reference Period means, as of any date of determination, the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending on such date, or if such date is not a Fiscal Quarter end date, the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters most recently ended (in each case treated as a single accounting period).
Register has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(c).
Related Parties means, with respect to any Person, such Persons Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of such Person and of such Persons Affiliates.
Reportable Event means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.
Required Lenders means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02, Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of the Total Outstandings; provided that the Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.
Responsible Officer means the chairman, chief executive officer, president, chief operating officer, chief administrative officer, chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer, any senior vice president or vice president, controller or general counsel of a Loan Party and, solely for purposes of notices given pursuant to Article II, any other officer or employee of the applicable Loan Party so designated by any of the foregoing officers in a notice to the Administrative Agent or any other officer or employee of the applicable Loan Party designated in or pursuant to an agreement between the applicable Loan Party and the Administrative Agent. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.
Restricted Payment means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any capital stock or other Equity Interest of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such capital stock or other Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Borrowers stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Person thereof).
Sanction(s) means any economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced by the United States Government (including without limitation, OFAC), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majestys Treasury (HMT) or other relevant sanctions authority.
SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
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Shareholders Equity means, as of any date of determination, consolidated shareholders equity of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of that date determined in accordance with GAAP.
Solvent and Solvency mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Persons ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature, (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Persons property would constitute an unreasonably small capital, and (e) such Person is able to pay its debts and liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the ordinary course of business. The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.
Subsidiary of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a Subsidiary or to Subsidiaries shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower. For purposes of this Agreement, with respect to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, Subsidiary shall include all Subsidiaries of the Borrower other than the following non-profit entities: Columbia/Jefferson City Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Chicagoland Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Panera Bread Foundation, Inc., Friends in Knead, Inc., Atlanta Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Los Angeles Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Cleveland Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Boston Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Charlotte Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Hartford-New Haven Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., South Florida Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Washington DC Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Western Florida Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Houston Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Lower New York Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., Philadelphia Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., San Francisco Bakery-Café Advertising Association, Inc., and all other comparable entities created after the Closing Date.
Swap Contract means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing),
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whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a Master Agreement), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
Swap Termination Value means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
Synthetic Lease Obligation means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment).
Taxes means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
Term Facility Increase Funding Date has the meaning specified in Section 2.14.
Term Loan has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
Term Loan Borrowing means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Term Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01.
Term Loan Notice means a notice of (a) a Term Loan Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Term Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A.
Threshold Amount means $25,000,000.
Ticking Fee has the meaning specified in Section 2.09(b).
Total Outstandings means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans.
Type means, with respect to a Term Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.
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Unfunded Pension Liability means the excess of a Pension Plans benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value of that Pension Plans assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code for the applicable plan year.
Unit means any bakery café or restaurant location.
United States and U.S. mean the United States of America.
U.S. Person means any Person that is a United States Person as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
Write-Down and Conversion Powers means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
(a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation. The word will shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word shall. Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Persons successors and assigns, (iii) the words herein, hereof and hereunder, and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words asset and property shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
(b) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word from means from and including; the words to and until each mean to but excluding; and the word through means to and including.
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(c) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
1.03 Accounting Terms.
(a) Generally. All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.
(b) Changes in GAAP. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in this Agreement, leases shall continue to be classified and accounted for on a basis consistent with that reflected in the Audited Financial Statements for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding any change in GAAP relating thereto, unless (i) the Borrower requests an amendment to this Agreement to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP, and (ii) the Borrowers and the Required Lenders enter into a mutually acceptable amendment; provided that, until so amended, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.
(c) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. All references herein to consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or to the determination of any amount for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or any similar reference shall, in each case, be deemed to include each variable interest entity that the Borrower is required to consolidate pursuant to FASB ASC 810 as if such variable interest entity were a Subsidiary as defined herein.
1.04 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the
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other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).
1.05 Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
The Administrative Agent does not warrant, nor accept responsibility, nor shall the Administrative Agent have any liability with respect to the administration, submission or any other matter related to the rates in the definition of Eurodollar Rate or with respect to any comparable or successor rate thereto.
ARTICLE II
THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS
2.01 Borrowing of Term Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees (and not jointly or jointly and severally) to make loans (each such loan, a Term Loan and collectively, the Term Loans) to the Borrower in Dollars during the Availability Period in an amount not to exceed such Lenders then current Commitment; provided, that, subject to Section 2.14, the Borrower may only request two Borrowings during the Availability Period up to the aggregate amount of the Aggregate Commitments. Amounts borrowed and repaid or prepaid hereunder may not be reborrowed. Term Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans, as further provided herein; provided, however, that with respect to the Term Loan Borrowing made on the Closing Date, the Term Loan Notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent prior to (a) 1:00 p.m. two Business Days prior to the Closing Date along with the Funding Indemnity Letter in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans or (b) 1:00 p.m. on the Closing Date, in the case of Base Rate Loans. Each Lender shall make the amount of its Term Loans available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agents Payment Office not later than 2:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the Term Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.01, the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of the Administrative Agent with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.
2.02 Conversions and Continuations of Term Loans.
(a) Each Term Loan Borrowing, each conversion of Term Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrowers irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by (A) telephone, or (B) a Term Loan Notice; provided that any telephonic notice must be confirmed immediately by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Term Loan Notice. Each such Term Loan Notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (i) two Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or of any conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Term Loans, and (ii) on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Term Loans. Each conversion to or
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continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Each conversion to Base Rate Term Loans shall be in a principal amount of $250,000 or a whole multiple of $50,000 in excess thereof. Each Term Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a conversion of Term Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Term Loans to be converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Term Loans to which existing Term Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Term Loan in a Term Loan Notice or if the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Term Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurodollar Rate Loans. If the Borrower requests a conversion to, or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans in any such Term Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month.
(b) Following receipt of a Term Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender thereof, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in the preceding subsection.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Loan, unless the Borrower shall have compensated the Lenders as set forth in Section 3.05(a). During the existence of a Default or Event of Default, no Loans may be converted to or continued as Eurodollar Rate Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Bank of Americas prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.
(e) After giving effect to all Term Loan Borrowings, all conversions of Term Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Term Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten Interest Periods in effect with respect to Term Loans.
2.03 Intentionally Omitted.
2.04 Intentionally Omitted.
2.05 Prepayments. The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Term Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (A) two Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurodollar
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Rate Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Term Loans; (ii) any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $100,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Term Loans shall be in a principal amount of $100,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Term Loans to be prepaid and, if Eurodollar Rate Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lenders Applicable Percentage of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. Subject to Section 2.17, each such prepayment shall be applied to the Term Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.
2.06 Intentionally Omitted.
2.07 Repayment of Loans.
The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans outstanding on such date. The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loans in quarterly principal installments equal to 1.25% of the original principal amount of the Aggregate Commitments (including any increase to the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.14) on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December (commencing on the last Business Day of the calendar quarter ending June 30, 2017; provided, that each payment due on June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017 and December 30, 2017 shall be equal to one and two-thirds percent (1 2⁄3%) of the original principal amount of the Aggregate Commitments including any increase to the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.14); provided, however, that the final principal repayment installment of the Term Loans shall be repaid on the Maturity Date and in any event shall be in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans outstanding on such date.
2.08 Interest.
(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; and (ii) each Base Rate Term Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
(b)(i) If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
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(ii) If an Event of Default under Section 8.01(f) shall have occurred, the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(iii) If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by the Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, then upon the request of the Required Lenders, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(iv) Upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists (other than as set forth in clauses (b)(i), (ii) and (iii) above) that has not been cured or waived within 30 days of notice from the Administrative Agent of the existence of such Event of Default (such 30-day period to be calculated without duplication of any grace period otherwise applicable to such Default or Event of Default), the Borrower shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
(v) Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
2.09 Fees.
(a) The Borrower shall pay to the Arranger and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
(b) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a delayed draw ticking fee (the Ticking Fee) equal to the Applicable Rate for Ticking Fees (on a per annum basis) times the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Commitments exceed the sum of the Outstanding Amount, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.17. The Ticking Fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the last day of the Availability Period. The Ticking Fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.
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(c) The Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such fees with respect to this Agreement as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
2.10 Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate.
(a) All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate) shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
(b) If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Borrower or for any other reason, the Borrower or the Lenders determine that (i) the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as calculated by the Borrower as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (ii) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Borrower shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders, promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent or any Lender), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period. This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent or any Lender under Section 2.08(b). The Borrowers obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.
2.11 Evidence of Debt. The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest
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error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lenders Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
2.12 Payments Generally; Administrative Agents Clawback.
(a) General. All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made free and clear of and without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agents Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lenders Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.
(b)(i) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Term Loan Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans (or, in the case of any Term Loan Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Term Loan Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lenders share of such Term Loan Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of a Term Loan Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Term Loan Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Term Loan Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lenders Term Loan included in such Term Loan Borrowing. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.
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(ii) Payments by Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(c) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent. If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
(d) Obligations of Lenders Several. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Term Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 10.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Term Loan, or to make any payment under Section 10.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Term Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 10.04(c).
(e) Funding Source. Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
2.13 Sharing of Payments by Lenders. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Term Loans made by it, resulting in such Lenders receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Term Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for
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cash at face value) participations in the Term Loans, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Term Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:
(i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and
(ii) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Term Loans, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).
The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.
2.14 Increase in Commitments.
(a) Request for Increase. Upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the Borrower may from time to time, including after the end of the Availability Period, request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments by an aggregate amount not exceeding $100,000,000; provided that any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $20,000,000 or any whole multiple of $5,000,000 in excess thereof; provided, further, the Borrower may make a maximum of five (5) such requests. To achieve such requested increase, the Borrower may invite the Lenders to make additional Commitments and/or may invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, provided any Commitments made by an Eligible Assignee pursuant to this Section 2.14 shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or an integral multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof. At the time of sending the notice described in the first sentence of this Section, the Borrower (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender and/or Eligible Assignee (each such Lender that agrees to make additional Commitments, an Increasing Lender) is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than five (5) Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to such Lender or Eligible Assignee).
(b) Elections to Increase. Each Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Commitments and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Applicable Percentage of such requested increase. Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Commitments. Any Lender approached to increase its Commitments may elect to decline, in its sole discretion, to increase its Commitments.
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(c) Notification by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and each Lender of the Lenders responses to each request made hereunder.
(d) Funding Date and Allocations. If the Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section 2.14, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall determine the effective date (the Term Facility Increase Funding Date) and the final allocation of such increase. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and the Term Facility Increase Funding Date.
(e) Conditions to Effectiveness of Increase. As a condition precedent to such increase, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Term Facility Increase Funding Date signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (i) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (ii) in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such increase, (A) no Default exists or would arise from such increase, and (B) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct on and as of the Term Facility Increase Funding Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.14, the representations and warranties contained in subsection (a) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clause (a) of Section 6.01. The additional Commitments shall be made by the Lenders participating therein pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 2.01.
(f) Conflicting Provisions. This Section 2.14 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.13 or Section 10.01 to the contrary.
2.15 Intentionally Omitted.
2.16 Intentionally Omitted.
2.17 Defaulting Lenders.
(a) Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(i) Waivers and Amendments. Such Defaulting Lenders right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of Required Lenders and Section 10.01.
(ii) Defaulting Lender Waterfall. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant
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to Section 10.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, , as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; third, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lenders breach of its obligations under this Agreement; fourth, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lenders breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and fifth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments hereunder without giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv). Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
(b) Defaulting Lender Cure. If the Borrower and the Administrative Agent agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein, that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Term Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages, whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lenders having been a Defaulting Lender.
ARTICLE III
TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY
3.01 Taxes.
(a) Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required pursuant to
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applicable law, provided that if the Borrower or the Administrative Agent shall be required by applicable law to deduct any Indemnified Taxes (including any Other Taxes) from such payments, then (i) the sum payable by the Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions with respect to Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including deductions with respect to Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Borrower shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of any Other Taxes.
(c) Tax Indemnification.
(i) The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) paid by the Administrative Agent, such Lender and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall, and does hereby, indemnify the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for any amount which a Lender for any reason fails to pay indefeasibly to the Administrative Agent as required pursuant to Section 3.01(c)(ii) below. Upon making such payment to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall be subrogated to the rights of the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 3.01(c)(ii) below against the applicable defaulting Lender (other than the right of set off pursuant to the last sentence of Section 3.01(c)(ii)).
(ii) Each Lender shall, and does hereby, severally indemnify, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, (x) the Administrative Agent against any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that the Borrower has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), (y) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, as applicable, against any Taxes attributable to such Lenders failure to comply with the provisions of Section 10.06(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, as applicable, against any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower in connection with any Loan Document, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or
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with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (ii).
(d) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(e) Status of Lenders. Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person, (A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax, and (B) any Foreign Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled to do so), whichever of the following is applicable:
(i) duly completed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN-E (or W-BBEN if applicable) claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,
(ii) duly completed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI,
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(iii) duly completed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY and all required supporting documentation,
(iv) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a 10 percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a controlled foreign corporation described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (y) duly completed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN-E (or W-BBEN if applicable),
(v) any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States Federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; or
(vi) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lenders obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (iv), FATCA shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. For purposes of determining withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA, the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent shall treat (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to treat) this Agreement as not qualifying as a grandfathered obligation within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i).
Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 3.01 expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.
(f) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If the Administrative Agent or any Lender determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other
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Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender or to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person.
(g) Survival. Each partys obligations under this Section 3.01 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.
3.02 Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Term Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.
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3.03 Inability to Determine Rates. If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (c) the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Eurodollar Rate component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Term Loan Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.
3.04 Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans.
(a) Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement contemplated by Section 3.04(e));
(ii) subject any Lender to any tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any participation in any Eurodollar Rate Loan made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.01 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by such Lender); or
(iii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Rate Loans made by such Lender or participation therein;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any Loan the interest on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, the Borrower will pay to such Lender, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
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(b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lenders holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lenders capital or on the capital of such Lenders holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by such Lender, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lenders holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lenders policies and the policies of such Lenders holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lenders holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
(d) Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lenders right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lenders intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).
(e) Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans. The Borrower shall pay to each Lender, as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits (currently known as Eurocurrency liabilities), additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Loan equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive), which shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Borrower shall have received at least 10 days prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice 10 days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest shall be due and payable 10 days from receipt of such notice.
3.05 Compensation for Losses. Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:
(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);
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(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or
(c) any assignment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 10.13;
excluding any loss of anticipated profits but including any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained. The Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing.
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurodollar Rate Loan made by it at the Eurodollar Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurodollar Rate Loan was in fact so funded.
3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.
(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04, as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 10.13.
3.07 Survival. All of the Borrowers obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.
ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS
4.01 Conditions of Initial Credit Extension. The obligation of each Lender to honor the Term Loan Notice on the Closing Date hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent unless otherwise consented to or waived by the Administrative Agent:
(a) The Administrative Agents receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders:
(i) executed counterparts of this Agreement and the Guaranty, sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Borrower;
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(ii) a Note executed by the Borrower in favor of each Lender requesting a Note;
(iii) executed counterparts of each of the other Loan Documents and the Funding Indemnity Letter;
(iv) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party;
(v) such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and each of the Borrower and each Guarantor is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in its jurisdiction of organization;
(vi) a favorable opinion of Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale and Dorr LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, dated as of the Closing Date in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(vii) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party either (A) attaching copies of all consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by such Loan Party and the validity against such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required;
(viii) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying (A) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied, and (B) that there has been no event or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and
(ix) such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders reasonably may require.
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(b) Any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid.
(c) Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall have paid all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent) to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent).
(d) The Closing Date shall have occurred on or before February 17, 2017.
Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.03, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.
4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions. The obligation of each Lender to make any Loan requested to be made by it on the Closing Date or during the Availability Period (other than a Term Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Term Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent as of the date such Loan is requested to be made:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V (excluding the representations and warranties contained in Section 5.19, if the Borrowing is after the Closing Date) or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 4.02, the representations and warranties contained in subsection (a) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clause (a) of Section 6.01.
(b) No Default or Event of Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Term Loan Notice in accordance with the requirements hereof.
Each Term Loan Notice (other than a Term Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Term Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.
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ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for itself and each of its Subsidiaries other than Excluded Subsidiaries that:
5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power. Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.02 Authorization; No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Persons Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Material Contracts to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Law, except where such violation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents. No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
5.04 Binding Effect. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms.
5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.
(a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly
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noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness. Schedule 5.05 sets forth all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries to the extent not reflected in such financial statements, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.
(b) Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.06 Litigation. There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, or (b) except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.06, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.07 No Default. Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation that could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
5.08 Ownership of Property; Liens. Each of the Borrower and each Subsidiary has good record and marketable title in fee simple to, or valid leasehold interests in, all real property necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of its business, except for such defects in title as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is subject to no Liens, other than Liens permitted by Section 7.01.
5.09 Environmental Compliance. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries conduct in the ordinary course of business a review of the effect of existing Environmental Laws and claims alleging potential liability or responsibility for violation of any Environmental Law on their respective businesses, operations and properties, and as a result thereof the Borrower has reasonably concluded that, except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.09, such Environmental Laws and claims could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.10 Insurance. The properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Borrower, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary operates.
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5.11 Taxes. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have filed all Federal, state and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have paid all Federal, state and other material taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges levied or imposed upon them or their properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP. There is no proposed tax assessment against the Borrower or any Subsidiary that would, if made, have a Material Adverse Effect. Other than as set forth on Schedule 5.11, no Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is party to any tax sharing agreement.
5.12 ERISA Compliance.
(a) Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state Laws. Each Plan that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the IRS with respect thereto and, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, nothing has occurred which would prevent, or cause the loss of, such qualification. The Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate have made all required contributions to each Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code, and no application for a funding waiver or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Code has been made with respect to any Plan.
(b) There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(c)(i) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) no Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability; (iii) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iv) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Section 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (v) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.
5.13 Subsidiaries; Equity Interests. As of the date of this Agreement, the Borrower has no Subsidiaries (including Excluded Subsidiaries) other than those specifically disclosed in Part (a) of Schedule 5.13, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests in such Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by a Loan Party in the amounts specified on Part (a) of Schedule 5.13 free and clear of all Liens. As of the date of this Agreement, the Borrower has no equity investments in any other corporation or entity other than those specifically disclosed in Part (b) of Schedule 5.13.
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5.14 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.
(a) The Borrower is not engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB) in violation of Regulation U, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock in violation of Regulation U.
(b) None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling the Borrower, or any Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
5.15 Disclosure. No report, financial statement, certificate or other information furnished (whether in writing or orally) by or on behalf of any Loan Party or Subsidiary to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.
5.16 Compliance with Laws. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary thereof is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.17 Taxpayer Identification Number. The Borrowers true and correct U.S. taxpayer identification number is set forth on Schedule 10.02.
5.18 Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries own, or possess the right to use, all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, franchises, licenses and other intellectual property rights (collectively, IP Rights) that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses. To the best knowledge of the Borrower, no slogan or other advertising device, product, process, method, substance, part or other material now employed, or now contemplated to be employed, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary infringes upon any rights held by any other Person except for such infringement that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.18, no claim or litigation regarding any of the foregoing is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.19 Solvency. The Borrower is, individually and together with its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, Solvent.
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5.20 OFAC. Neither the Borrower, nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, any director, officer or employee is an individual or entity that is, or is owned or controlled by any individual or entity that is (i) currently the subject of any Sanctions, (ii) included on OFACs List of Specially Designated Nationals, HMTs Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets and the Investment Ban List, or any similar list enforced by any other relevant sanctions authority or (iii) located, organized or resident in a Designated Jurisdiction. The Borrower has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with applicable Sanctions. No borrowing or use of proceeds contemplated by this Agreement will violate any applicable Sanctions.
5.21 Anti-Corruption Laws. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have conducted their businesses in all material respects in compliance with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and other similar anti-corruption legislation in other jurisdictions applicable to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries (Anti-Corruption Laws), and have instituted and maintained policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws. No borrowing or use of proceeds contemplated by this Agreement will violate any Anti-Corruption Law.
5.22 EEA Financial Institution. Neither the Borrower nor any Guarantor is an EEA Financial Institution.
ARTICLE VI
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, and 6.03) cause each Subsidiary (other than any Excluded Subsidiary) to:
6.01 Financial Statements. Deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders:
(a) as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, such consolidated statements to be audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any going concern or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit; and
(b) as soon as available, but in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related
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consolidated statements of income or operations and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the Borrowers fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, such consolidated statements to be certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
As to any information contained in materials furnished within the time periods specified above but delivered pursuant to Section 6.02, the Borrower shall not be separately required to furnish such information under clause (a) or (b) above.
6.02 Certificates; Other Information. Deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders:
(a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower; provided that if the financial statements referred to in Section 6.01(a) are delivered sooner than the 90th day after the end of such fiscal year, the Borrower shall not be required to deliver the Compliance Certificate relating to such period prior to the 90th day after such fiscal year end;
(b) Intentionally omitted;
(c) promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Borrower, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Borrower may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto; and
(d) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial or corporate affairs of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably request.
Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) or Section 6.02(c) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrowers website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrowers behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender that requests the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies
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is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (by facsimile or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Borrower shall be required to provide paper copies of the Compliance Certificates required by Section 6.02(a) to the Administrative Agent. Except for such Compliance Certificates, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.
The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arranger may, but shall not be obligated to, make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, Borrower Materials) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks, Debt Domain, Syndtrak, ClearPar or another similar electronic transmission system (the Platform) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a Public Lender) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons securities. The Borrower hereby agrees that so long as the Borrower is the issuer of any outstanding debt or equity securities that are registered or issued pursuant to a private offering or is actively contemplating issuing any such securities (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked PUBLIC which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word PUBLIC shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials PUBLIC, the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws (provided, however, that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 10.07); (y) all Borrower Materials marked PUBLIC are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated Public Investor; and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked PUBLIC as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated Public Investor.
6.03 Notices. Promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender:
(a) of the occurrence of any Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Borrower has knowledge;
(b) of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including (i) breach or non-performance of, or any default under, a Material Contract of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws, and in each case of clauses (b)(i) through (iii) above, solely as such event has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
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(c) of the occurrence of any ERISA Event; and
(d) of any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, including any determination by the Borrower referred to in Section 2.10(b).
Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto. Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.
6.04 Payment of Obligations. Pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, all its obligations and liabilities, including (a) all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrower or such Subsidiary; (b) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien upon its or any of the Guarantors property (other than Liens permitted by Section 7.01); and (c) all Indebtedness, as and when due and payable, but subject to any subordination provisions contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing such Indebtedness unless the failure to comply with this Section 6.04(c) would not constitute a Default under Section 8.01(e).
6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc. (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except (i) in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05 or, (ii) with respect to Foreign Subsidiaries, where the failure of which could not be reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.06 Maintenance of Properties. (a) Maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted; and (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.07 Maintenance of Insurance. Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Borrower, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons.
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6.08 Compliance with Laws. Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.09 Books and Records. (a) Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be; and (b) maintain such books of record and account in material conformity with all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having regulatory jurisdiction over the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be.
6.10 Inspection Rights. Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants, all at the expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided, however, that (i) prior to the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall conduct no more than one such visit per year, (ii) when an Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice or limitation as to number of visits and (iii) any request of a Lender under this Section 6.10 shall be made through the Administrative Agent.
6.11 Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions for general corporate purposes including working capital, capital expenditures, Permitted Acquisitions and purchases of the Equity Interests of the Borrower and transaction expenses relating thereto, in each case, not in contravention of any Law or any Loan Document.
6.12 Additional Guarantors.
(a) Notify the Administrative Agent (i) at the time that any Person becomes a wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary or a non-wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary that is a Material Subsidiary not subject to any restrictions to provide a Guaranty, or (ii) at the time a Domestic Subsidiary acquires or creates a Subsidiary that complies with clauses (a) or (b) of the definition of Material Subsidiary, and, in each case, promptly thereafter (and in any event within sixty days), the Borrower shall or shall cause such Person to the extent such Person is a Domestic Subsidiary of the type identified in clause (a)(i) or (a)(ii) above, become a Guarantor (if it is not already a Guarantor) by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent a counterpart of the Guaranty or such other document as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate for such purpose, and deliver to the Administrative Agent documents of the types referred to in clauses (iv) and (v) each of Section 4.01(a), favorable opinions of counsel to such Person (which shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documentation referred to in this clause (a) above) and an updated Schedule 5.13, all in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
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(b) In addition, the Borrower will not at any time permit either (i) the aggregate revenue generated by all Excluded Subsidiaries that are wholly owned Domestic Subsidiaries to exceed an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the consolidated aggregate revenues generated by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the Reference Period most recently ended or (ii) the aggregate book value of the aggregate assets of all Excluded Subsidiaries that are wholly owned Domestic Subsidiaries to exceed ten percent (10%) of the then current book value of all assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The Borrower shall require certain Excluded Subsidiaries that are wholly owned Domestic Subsidiaries to become Guarantors hereunder to the extent necessary to comply at all times with the preceding sentence and such Domestic Subsidiary shall thereafter remain a Guarantor hereunder. An Excluded Subsidiary that shall have become a Guarantor shall at all times thereafter cease to be treated as an Excluded Subsidiary for purposes of the calculations set forth in the first sentence hereof.
6.13 Material Contracts. Perform and observe all the terms and provisions of each Material Contract to be performed or observed by it, maintain each such Material Contract in full force and effect, enforce each such Material Contract in accordance with its terms, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to do so, except, in any case, where the failure to do so, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.14 Further Assurances. Promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, (a) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in any Loan Document or in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation thereof, and (b) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably require from time to time in order to carry out more effectively the purposes of the Loan Documents.
6.15 Anti-Corruption Laws. Conduct its businesses in all material respects in compliance with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and other similar anti-corruption legislation in other jurisdictions applicable to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, and the Borrower will maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries with such laws.
ARTICLE VII
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, the Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary (other than any Excluded Subsidiary and, with respect to Section 7.02, other than any Foreign Subsidiary) to, directly or indirectly:
7.01 Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following:
(a) [reserved];
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(b) Liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.01 and any renewals or extensions thereof, provided that (i) the property covered thereby is not changed, (ii) the amount secured or benefited thereby is not increased except as contemplated by Section 7.03(b), (iii) the direct or any contingent obligor with respect thereto is not changed, and (iv) any renewal or extension of the obligations secured or benefited thereby is permitted by Section 7.03(b);
(c) Liens for taxes not yet due or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP;
(d) carriers, warehousemens, mechanics, materialmens, repairmens or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business which are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person;
(e) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation, other than any Lien imposed by ERISA;
(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, obligations to utility companies and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, landlords liens for rent not yet due and payable, and other similar encumbrances affecting real property which, in the aggregate, are not substantial in amount, and which do not in any case materially detract from the value of the property subject thereto or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the applicable Person;
(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h);
(i) Liens on property acquired or Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower and the replacement, extension or renewal of such Liens (or the Indebtedness secured thereby); provided that (i) such Liens were not created in contemplation of such acquisition, merger or consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those acquired or of the Person so merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or such Subsidiary or acquired by the Borrower; or such Subsidiary and (ii) no such replacement, extension or renewal of such Lien or the Indebtedness secured thereby may (A) increase or change the assets secured by such Lien or (B) increase the amount of Indebtedness secured by such Lien (other than by an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses of such refinancing or replacement) thereof;
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(j) Liens constituting an encumbrance on property described in Section 7.05(f);
(k) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(f); and Liens securing Indebtedness of the Borrower in respect of capital leases, Synthetic Lease Obligations and purchase money obligations for fixed capital assets; provided that (i) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other that the property financed by such Indebtedness and proceeds thereof (ii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost or fair market value, whichever is lower, of the property being acquired on the date of such acquisition;
(l) Liens in favor of issuing banks, revolving lenders and swingline lenders on cash collateral furnished solely to secure credit exposure held by defaulting lenders in respect of otherwise unsecured Indebtedness under revolving credit facilities permitted pursuant this Agreement; and
(m) other Liens securing Indebtedness and other obligations in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth at the time such Indebtedness is incurred.
7.02 Foreign Subsidiary Investments. Make or hold or permit any Domestic Subsidiary to make or hold any Investments in Foreign Subsidiaries, except:
(a) Subsidiaries may be established or created, if the Borrower and such Subsidiary complies with the provisions of Section 6.12;
(b) intercompany accounts receivable and accounts payable in the ordinary course of business in accordance with GAAP and not in the nature of a loan, capital contribution, debt assumption, debt acquisition or debt or equity participation;
(c) Investments existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.02; and
(d) Investments of the Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiary in any Foreign Subsidiary not exceeding $125,000,000 in the aggregate from and after the Closing Date as to all such Foreign Subsidiaries.
7.03 Subsidiary Indebtedness. Permit any Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof;
(b) Any Indebtedness incurred to refinance any Indebtedness of any Subsidiary outstanding on the Closing Date to the extent the amount of Indebtedness so incurred is not in excess of the amount of Indebtedness refinanced, plus any interest, fees and premiums incurred in connection therewith;
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(c) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary to the Borrower or to any Subsidiary other than any Excluded Subsidiary;
(d) Guarantees of any Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder so long as such Subsidiary is a Guarantor hereunder;
(e) obligations (contingent or otherwise) of any Subsidiary existing or arising under any Swap Contract and accelerated purchase agreements in connection with transactions permitted pursuant to Section 7.06(d), provided that as to any Swap Contract such Swap Contract does not contain any provision exonerating either party from its obligation to make any termination or other payment to the other party with respect to any terminated transaction upon termination of such Swap Contract, or any transaction outstanding thereunder, by either party;
(f) Indebtedness in respect of capital leases, Synthetic Lease Obligations and purchase money obligations for fixed capital assets within the limitations set forth in Section 7.01(k); provided, however, that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness at any one time outstanding shall not exceed $25,000,000;
(g) to the extent constituting Indebtedness, a sale and leaseback transaction permitted pursuant to Section 7.05(f);
(h) Indebtedness assumed or incurred in connection as to all Permitted Acquisitions in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding;
(i) Indebtedness in the form of purchase price adjustments, holdbacks and other similar contingent payment obligations in respect of any Permitted Acquisition; and
(j) other Indebtedness of all Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed, at any time $50,000,000 in the aggregate.
7.04 Fundamental Changes. Merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that, so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom:
(a) any Guarantor may merge with (i) the Borrower, provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person, or (ii) any one or more other Guarantor;
(b) any Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or to a Guarantor (or to such Subsidiarys corporate parent); provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Guarantor, then the transferee must either be the Borrower or a Guarantor;
(c) in connection with any Permitted Acquisition, any Subsidiary of the Borrower may merge into or consolidate with any other Person or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it; provided that (i) the Person surviving such merger shall be a Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower and (ii) in the case of any such merger to which any Loan Party is a party, such Loan Party is the surviving Person; and
(d) Permitted Dispositions may be consummated.
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7.05 Dispositions. Make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition (including the sale of any Equity Interests of any Subsidiary or Excluded Subsidiary), except:
(a) Dispositions of obsolete or worn out property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business;
(b) Dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business;
(c) Dispositions of equipment or real property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are reasonably promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;
(d)(i) Dispositions of property by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Borrower or to a Guarantor, (ii) Dispositions by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to an Excluded Subsidiary that is a Domestic Subsidiary, (iii) Dispositions by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to a Foreign Subsidiary so long as, if such Disposition were deemed an Investment, such transaction is permitted by Section 7.02, and (iv) Dispositions by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to a Domestic Subsidiary that is not wholly owned and is not a Guarantor;
(e) Dispositions permitted by Section 7.02 and Section 7.04;
(f) Dispositions by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries of property pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions, provided that the book value of all property so Disposed of shall not exceed $25,000,000 from and after the Closing Date;
(g) exclusive or non-exclusive licenses of IP Rights among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and non-exclusive licenses of IP Rights to third parties in the ordinary course of business and substantially consistent with past practice;
(h) So long as no Default or Event of Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition, Dispositions of any Unit to a present or future franchisee of the Borrower or any Subsidiary subject to franchise and royalty arrangements entered into on an arms length basis;
(i) Dispositions made for charitable purposes; provided that the aggregate book value of all property Disposed of in reliance on this clause (i) from and after the Closing Date shall not exceed $10,000,000; and
(j) Dispositions by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries not otherwise permitted under this Section 7.05; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition, no Default or Event of Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition and (ii) the aggregate book value of all property Disposed of in reliance on this clause (i) from and after the Closing Date shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the consolidated total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date.
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7.06 Restricted Payments. Declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except that, so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of any action described below or would result therefrom:
(a) each Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower, the Guarantors and any other Person that owns an Equity Interest in such Subsidiary, ratably according to their respective holdings of the type of Equity Interest in respect of which such Restricted Payment is being made;
(b) the Borrower and any Subsidiary may declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable solely in the common stock or other common Equity Interests of such Person;
(c) the Borrower may purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire Equity Interests issued by it with the proceeds received from the substantially concurrent issue of new shares of its common stock or other common Equity Interests;
(d) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall exist or would result therefrom, the Borrower may (i) declare or pay cash dividends to its stockholders, and (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for cash Equity Interests issued by it, in each case if after giving effect thereto, on a Pro Forma Basis, the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the end of the most recently ended Reference Period prior to such proposed Restricted Payment shall be less than 2.50:1.00 as evidenced by delivery of a Compliance Certificate to the Administrative Agent in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and
(e) Payments under or with respect to securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interest in) the Borrower.
7.07 Change in Nature of Business. Engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof or any business substantially related or incidental thereto.
7.08 Transactions with Affiliates. Enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of the Borrower, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than on fair and reasonable terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arms length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, provided that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to transactions between or among the Borrower and any Guarantor or between and among any Guarantors or ordinary course transactions with respect to standard business operations and transactions otherwise permitted by this Agreement.
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7.09 Burdensome Agreements. The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, or permit to exist, any Contractual Obligation that (a) encumbers or restricts the ability of (i) any Subsidiary to pay any Indebtedness owed by it to the Borrower, (ii) any Subsidiary to Guarantee the Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary under this Agreement, (iii) any Subsidiary to make loans or advances to the Borrower, (iv) any Subsidiary to transfer any of its property to the Borrower, (v) any Subsidiary to make Restricted Payments to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or (vi) the Borrower or any Subsidiary to pledge its property pursuant to the Loan Documents or any renewals, refinancings, exchanges, refundings or extension thereof, (b) requires the grant of any security for any obligation if such property is given as security for the Obligations, except (in respect of any of the matters referred to in clauses (a) or (b) above) pursuant to (A) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (B) any document or instrument governing Indebtedness (1) incurred pursuant to Section 7.03 or (2) otherwise permitted under this Agreement, (C) customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the sale of any property permitted under Section 7.05 pending the consummation of such sale or (D) customary restrictions in organization documents of any Subsidiary that is not wholly-owned.
7.10 Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose, in each case, in violation of Regulation U.
7.11 Financial Covenants.
(a) Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the end of any Reference Period of the Borrower to be greater than 3.00:1.00;
(b) Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the end of any Reference Period of the Borrower to be less than 2.00:1.00.
7.12 Amendments of Organization Documents. Amend any of its Organization Documents in a manner which would materially adversely affect the Lenders.
7.13 Accounting Changes. Make any change in (a) accounting policies or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP, or (b) its Fiscal Year.
7.14 [Reserved.]
7.15 Sanctions. Directly or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, indirectly, use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other individual or entity, to fund any activities of or business with any individual or entity, or in any Designated Jurisdiction, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of Sanctions, in each case, in any manner that will result in a violation by any individual or entity (including any individual or entity participating in the transaction, whether as Lender, Arranger, Administrative Agent, or otherwise) of Sanctions.
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7.16 Anti-Corruption Laws. Directly or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, indirectly use the proceeds of any Credit Extension for any purpose which would breach the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and other similar anti-corruption legislation in other jurisdictions applicable to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.
ARTICLE VIII
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
8.01 Events of Default. Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:
(a) Non-Payment. The Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, or (ii) within three days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan, or any fee due hereunder, or (iii) within five days after the same becomes due, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or
(b) Specific Covenants. The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Sections 6.01, 6.02, 6.03, 6.05, 6.10, 6.11 or 6.12 (a) or Article VII, or any Guarantor fails to perform or observe any payment term, covenant or agreement contained in the Guaranty; or
(c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for 30 days; or
(d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading when made or deemed made; or
(e) Cross-Default. (i) The Borrower or any Material Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment when due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is the Defaulting
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Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by the Borrower or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than the Threshold Amount; or
(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any of its Material Subsidiaries institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) The Borrower or any Material Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 60 days after its issue or levy; or
(h) Judgments. There is entered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments or orders) exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage) and (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced and are continuing by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect or such judgment shall not have been paid or satisfied; or
(i) ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount, or (ii) the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or
(j) Invalidity of Loan Documents. (i) Any provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any other Person contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any provision of any Loan Document; or
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(k) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control.
8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:
(a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans, whereupon such commitments shall be terminated;
(b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; and
(c) exercise on behalf of itself, the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it, the Lenders under the Loan Documents;
provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
8.03 Application of Funds. After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to the provisions of Section 2.17, be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:
First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;
Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;
Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and other Obligations, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;
Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; and
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Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.
ARTICLE IX
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
9.01 Appointment and Authority. Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall not have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions. It is understood and agreed that the use of the term agent herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.
9.02 Rights as a Lender. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term Lender or Lenders shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.
9.03 Exculpatory Provisions. The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:
(a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;
(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and
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(c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.
The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender.
The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.
9.04 Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
9.05 Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of
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the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.
9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent
(a) The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the Resignation Effective Date), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above. Whether or not a successor has been appointed, such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date.
(b) If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by notice in writing to the Borrower and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, in consultation with the Borrower, appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the Removal Effective Date), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date.
(c) With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable) (1) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (2) except for any indemnity payments or other amounts then owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender, until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of a successors appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or removed) Administrative Agent (other than as provided in Section 3.01(g) and other than any rights to indemnity payments or other amounts owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent as of the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date, as applicable), and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring or removed Administrative Agents resignation or removal hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions
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of this Article and Section 10.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.
9.07 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
9.08 No Other Duties, Etc. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Arranger, Syndication Agent and Documentation Agent listed on the cover page hereof shall not have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent or a Lender hereunder.
9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise
(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04.
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Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.
9.10 Collateral and Guaranty Matters. The Lenders irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion,
(a) to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations), (ii) that is sold or to be sold as part of or in connection with any sale permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or (iii) subject to Section 10.01, if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders; and
(b) to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder.
Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agents authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.10.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.01 Amendments, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective (except as provided in Section 2.14) unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:
(a) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01(a) without the written consent of each Lender;
(b) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02) without the written consent of such Lender;
(c) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;
(d) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on any Loan, or (subject to clause (iv) of the second proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each
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Lender directly affected thereby; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (i) to amend the definition of Default Rate or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate or (ii) to amend any financial covenant hereunder (or any defined term used therein) even if the effect of such amendment would be to reduce the rate of interest on any Loan or to reduce any fee payable hereunder;
(e) except as provided in Section 2.14, alter Section 2.13 or Section 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender;
(f) change any provision of this Section or the definition of Required Lenders or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder without the written consent of each Lender; or
(g) release all or substantially all of the value of the Guaranty without the written consent of each Lender, except to the extent the release of any Guarantor is permitted pursuant to Section 9.10 (in which case such release may be made by the Administrative Agent acting alone);
and, provided further, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender disproportionately adversely relative to other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.
If any Lender does not consent to a proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release with respect to any Loan Document that requires the consent of each Lender and that has been approved by the Required Lenders (such Lender, a Non-Consenting Lender), the Borrower may replace such non-consenting Lender in accordance with Section 10.13; provided that such amendment, waiver, consent or release can be effected as a result of the assignment contemplated by such Section (together with all other such assignments required by the Borrower to be made pursuant to this paragraph).
10.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication.
(a) Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or
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registered mail or sent by facsimile as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
(i) if to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02; and
(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire (including, as appropriate, notices delivered solely to the Person designated by a Lender on its Administrative Questionnaire then in effect for the delivery of notices that may contain material non-public information relating to the Borrower).
Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient). Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).
(b) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail, FpML messaging and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.
Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the senders receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the return receipt requested function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii), if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.
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(c) The Platform. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED AS IS AND AS AVAILABLE. THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the Agent Parties) have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrowers or the Administrative Agents transmission of Borrower Materials or notices through the Platform, any other electronic platform or electronic messaging service, or through the Internet, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided, however, that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages).
(d) Change of Address, Etc. Each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, facsimile number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender. Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the Private Side Information or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lenders compliance procedures and applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the Public Side Information portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws.
(e) Reliance by Administrative Agent and Lenders. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Term Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.
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10.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided and provided under each other Loan Document are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 8.02 for the benefit of all the Lenders; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 10.08 (subject to the terms of Section 2.13), or (c) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided, further, that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b) and (c) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.13, any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders.
10.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.
(a) Costs and Expenses. The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), and (ii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent or any Lender) in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.
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(b) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), the Arranger and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an Indemnitee) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee) incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or, in the case of the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof) and its Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) any Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; IN ALL CASES, WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY OR ARISING, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, OUT OF THE COMPARATIVE, CONTRIBUTORY OR SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE INDEMNITEE, provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, (y) result from a claim brought by the Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitees obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrower or such Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or (z) result from disputes solely between Indemnitees and not (i) involving any action or inaction by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors or other representatives, or (ii) relating to any action of such Indemnitee in its capacity as Administrative Agent or an Arranger.
This Section 10.04(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses arising from any non-Tax claim.
(c) Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof) or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lenders pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought based on each Lenders share of the Total Outstandings at such time) of such unpaid amount (including any such unpaid amount in respect of a claim asserted by such Lender), such payment to be made severally among them based on such Lenders Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought), provided, further
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that, the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.12(d).
(d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, and acknowledges that no other Person shall have, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such unintended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than for direct or actual damages resulting from the gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee as determined by a final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than ten Business Days after demand therefor.
(f) Survival. The agreements in this Section and the indemnity provisions of Section 10.02(e) shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.
10.05 Payments Set Aside. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery and to the extent permitted by law, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect. The obligations of the Lenders under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
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10.06 Successors and Assigns.
(a) Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section, or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:
(i) Minimum Amounts.
(1) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lenders Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and
(2) in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if Trade Date is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $10,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, however, that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single Eligible Assignee (or to an Eligible Assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met.
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(ii) Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned;
(iii) Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:
(1) the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof; and
(2) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender.
(iv) Assignment and Assumption. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee charged to the applicable Lender or prospective Lender in the amount of $3,500 as well as any documentation or information required pursuant to Section 3.01(e); provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.
(v) No Assignment to Borrower. No such assignment shall be made (A) to the Borrower or any of the Borrowers Subsidiaries, (B) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B), or (C) to a natural Person (or a holding company investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of a natural Person).
(vi) Certain Additional Payments. In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in
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full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.
Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, and 10.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment; provided, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lenders having been a Defaulting Lender. Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.
(c) Register. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower (and such agency being solely for tax purposes), shall maintain at the Administrative Agents Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it (or the equivalent thereof in electronic form) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the Register). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(d) Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural Person, or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of a natural person, a Defaulting Lender or the Borrower or any of the Borrowers Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a Participant) in all or a portion of such Lenders rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lenders obligations under this Agreement
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shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 10.04(c) without regard to the existence of any participation.
Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in clauses (a), (b) or (c) of the first proviso to Section 10.01 that directly affects such Participant (it being understood that (i) any vote to rescind any acceleration made pursuant to Section 8.02 of amounts owing with respect to the Loans and other Obligations and (ii) any modifications of the provisions relating to amounts, timing or application of prepayments of Loans and other Obligations shall not require the approval of such Participant). Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, each Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent (subject to the requirements in those sections, including timely delivery of forms pursuant to Section 3.01) as if it were a Lender of the relevant Loan and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 3.06 and 10.13 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.01 or 3.04, with respect to any participation, than the Lender from whom it acquired the applicable participation would have been entitled to receive, except, subject to subsection (e) of this Section, to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrowers request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrowers to effectuate the provisions of Section 3.06 with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.08 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participants interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the Participant Register); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participants interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.
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(e) Limitations upon Participant Rights. A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01 or 3.04 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrowers prior written consent. A Participant shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant (in the case of a Participant that would be a Foreign lender if it were a Lender) and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply, and does so comply, with Section 3.01(e) as though it were a Lender (it being agreed that any requirement in Section 3.01(e) that the Borrower or the Administrative Agent request a form, certificate or other documentation shall be treated for this purpose as having been satisfied).
(f) Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
10.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and representatives (it being understood that such disclosures will be made solely on a need to know basis and that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement or any Eligible Assignee invited to be a Lender pursuant to Section 2.14, or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap, derivative or other transaction under which payments are to be made by reference to the Borrower and its obligations, this Agreement or payments hereunder, (g) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided hereunder or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers or other market identifiers with respect to the credit facilities provided hereunder, (h) with the consent of the Borrower or (i) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower. The Administrative Agent agrees to the extent commercially reasonable, to provide the Borrower with prior notice of any disclosures required of the Administrative Agent under Section 10.07(c).
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In addition, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and non-confidential information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the Commitments.
For purposes of this Section, Information means all information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary relating to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or any Subsidiary. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (c) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws.
10.08 Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency other than accounts held as trust account for the benefit of third parties) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or its respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch, office or Affiliate of such Lender different from the branch, office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided, that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.17 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.
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10.09 Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the Maximum Rate). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
10.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic imaging means (e.g. pdf or tif) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
10.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied.
10.12 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.12, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.
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10.13 Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or if any other circumstance exists hereunder that gives the Borrower the right to replace a Lender as a party hereto, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.06), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:
(a) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 10.06(b);
(b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);
(c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;
(d) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws; and
(e) in the case of an assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver, consent or release.
A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a promptly delivered waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
10.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.
(a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF (OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW).
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(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. THE BORROWER IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST THE BORROWER OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.
(c) WAIVER OF VENUE. THE BORROWER IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
(d) SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
10.15 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
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10.16 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), the Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates understanding, that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent and the Arranger are arms-length commercial transactions between the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Arranger on the other hand, (B) the Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) the Borrower is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger each is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) neither the Administrative Agent nor any Arranger has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent nor any Arranger has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower or its Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent and the Arranger with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.
10.17 Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents. The words execute, execution, signed, signature, and words of like import in or related to any document to be signed in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby (including without limitation Assignment and Assumptions, amendments or other modifications, Term Loan Notices, waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent, or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; provided that notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary the Administrative Agent is under no obligation to agree to accept electronic signatures in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by the Administrative Agent pursuant to procedures approved by it.
10.18 USA PATRIOT Act Notice. Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the Act), it is required to obtain,
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verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Act . The Borrower shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Act.
10.19 Margin Securities. Each Lender, by joining in this Agreement, represents that such Lender, in good faith, has not relied upon any margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the Federal Reserve Board) comprised of shares of stock issued or to be issued by the Borrower in extending or maintaining any Loan or other credit under this Agreement.
10.20 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institution. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Lender that is an EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:
(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and
(b) the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;
(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document; or
(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the write-down and conversion powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.
10.21 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.
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[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
PANERA BREAD COMPANY | ||
By: | /s/ Michael J. Bufano | |
Name: | Michael J. Bufano | |
Title: | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer |
Panera Bread Company
Term Loan Agreement
Signature Page
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Kelly Weaver | |
Name: | Kelly Weaver | |
Title: | Vice President |
Panera Bread Company
Term Loan Agreement
Signature Page
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Anthony Luppino | |
Name: | Anthony Luppino | |
Title: | Vice President |
Panera Bread Company
Term Loan Agreement
Signature Page
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Helene P. Sprung | |
Name: | Helene P. Sprung | |
Title: | Managing Director |
Panera Bread Company
Term Loan Agreement
Signature Page
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Maureen S. Malphus | |
Name: | Maureen S. Malphus | |
Title: | Vice President |
Panera Bread Company
Term Loan Agreement
Signature Page
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Paul Spearing | |
Name: | Paul Spearing | |
Title: | Vice President |
Panera Bread Company
Term Loan Agreement
Signature Page
REGIONS BANK, as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Jay R. Goldstein | |
Name: | Jay R. Goldstein | |
Title: | Managing Director |
Panera Bread Company
Term Loan Agreement
Signature Page
TD BANK, N.A., as a Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Alan Garson | |
Name: | Alan Garson | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
Schedule 2.01
Commitments and Applicable Percentages
Lender | Commitment | Applicable Percentage | ||||||
Bank of America, N.A. | $ | 80,000,000.00 | 40.000000000 | % | ||||
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | $ | 62,500,000.00 | 31.250000000 | % | ||||
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association | $ | 20,000,000.00 | 10.000000000 | % | ||||
PNC Bank, National Association | $ | 12,500,000.00 | 6.250000000 | % | ||||
Regions Bank | $ | 12,500,000.00 | 6.250000000 | % | ||||
TD Bank, N.A. | $ | 12,500,000.00 | 6.250000000 | % | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||
Total: | $ | 200,000,000.00 | 100.000000000 | % | ||||
|
|
|
|
Schedule 5.05
Supplement to Interim Financial Statements
Liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness that are (a) not material to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a whole or (b) are reflected in the Borrowers most recent report on Form 10-K and any subsequent reports on Form 10-Q or Form 8-K filed with the SEC.
Schedule 5.06
Litigation
None.
Schedule 5.09
Environmental Matters
None.
Schedule 5.11
Tax Sharing Arrangements
None.
Schedule 5.13
Subsidiaries; Other Equity Investments
1. Part (a)
Subsidiary Name | Equity Holders by Percentage | |
Panera, LLC | Panera Bread Company 100% | |
Paradise Bakery & Café, Inc. | Panera Bread Company 100% | |
Pumpernickel, Inc. | Panera Bread Company 100% | |
Artisan Bread, LLC | Panera, LLC 100% | |
Bakery Cafe Cards, LLC | Panera, LLC 100% | |
Panera Enterprises, Inc. | Panera, LLC 100% | |
Panera International Holdings, Inc. | Panera, LLC 100% | |
Panera Canada Holdings, Inc. | Panera, LLC 100% | |
Pumpernickel Associates, LLC | Pumpernickel, Inc. 1%; Panera, LLC 99% | |
Cap City Bread, LLC | Artisan Bread, LLC 100% | |
Panera Bread (BC) ULC | Panera International Holdings, Inc. 100% |
2. Part (b)
None.
Schedule 5.18
Intellectual Property Matters
On February 4, 2016, Great Harvest Franchising, Inc. filed a petition of Opposition in the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board seeking to prevent registration of Paneras PANERA BREAD. FOOD AS IT SHOULD BE. and PANERA. FOOD AS IT SHOULD BE. trademarks. Previously, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had approved each of these trademarks for registration. The administrative opposition proceeding asserts claims of priority (first use, likelihood of confusion and reverse confusion).
Schedule 7.01
Existing Liens
Debtor: Panera, LLC
Secured Party | Jurisdiction | File Number | File Date | Collateral Description* | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2007 0894955 | 03/09/2007 | Trailer and Thermo King reefer unit | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2007 1504355 | 04/23/2007 | Insulated trucks, Thermo King reefer units and insulated truck bodies | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2007 1731008 | 05/08/2007 | Insulated truck and reefer unit | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2007 ###-###-#### | 07/18/2007 | Freightliner tractors, reefer units and insulated truck bodies | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2007 ###-###-#### | 09/20/2007 | Trailers and reefer units | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2007 ###-###-#### | 09/20/2007 | Trailers and reefer units | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2007 ###-###-#### | 10/31/2007 | Freightliner, reefer units and insulated trucks | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2007 ###-###-#### | 11/06/2007 | Freightliner tractors, reefer units and insulated truck bodies | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2007 ###-###-#### | 11/19/2007 | Freightliners, reefer units and insulated trucks | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2008 0062917 | 01/07/2008 | Freightliners, tractors | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2008 0177806 | 01/15/2008 | Trailers and reefer units | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2008 0477131 | 02/08/2008 | Freightliner tractors, and insulated truck body | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2008 0704450 | 02/27/2008 | Freightliner trucks, reefer units and insulated truck bodies | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2008 1459385 | 04/28/2008 | Freightliner truck and insulated truck body | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2008 ###-###-#### | 10/31/2008 | Trailer with Thermo King unit | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2009 0232865 | 01/23/2009 | Freightliner trucks and insulated truck bodies | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2009 0430006 | 02/09/2009 | Freightliner trucks and insulated truck bodies | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2009 0751591 | 03/10/2009 | Freightliner trucks and insulated truck bodies | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2009 1136560 | 04/09/2009 | Trailers and reefer units | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2009 1398087 | 05/04/2009 | Freightliner tractor with insulated body | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2009 1398137 | 05/04/2009 | Freightliner tractor with insulated body | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2010 0598536 | 02/23/2010 | Trailers with Thermo King units | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2010 0899587 | 03/10/2010 | Trailers and refrigeration units | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2010 1919863 | 06/02/2010 | Refrigerated trailers | ||||
BofA Leasing & Capital | DE SOS | 2010 ###-###-#### | 11/01/2010 | Refrigerated trailers | ||||
Apple Financial Services | DE SOS | 2014 ###-###-#### | 09/16/2014 | Equipment | ||||
Apple Financial Services | DE SOS | 2014 ###-###-#### | 10/15/2014 | Equipment | ||||
Apple Financial Services | DE SOS | 2015 0766336 | 02/24/2015 | Equipment | ||||
Apple Financial Services | DE SOS | 2015 ###-###-#### | 06/25/2015 | Equipment |
Secured Party | Jurisdiction | File Number | File Date | Collateral Description* | ||||
PNC Equipment Finance, LLC | DE SOS | 2015  ###-###-#### | 07/28/2015 | Equipment | ||||
De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. | DE SOS | 2016 0515708 | 01/27/2016 | Apple iPad Equipment | ||||
De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. | DE SOS | 2016 1006756 | 02/19/2016 | Apple iPad Equipment | ||||
De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. | DE SOS | 2016 ###-###-#### | 06/23/2016 | Apple iPad Equipment | ||||
De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. | DE SOS | 2016 ###-###-#### | 08/10/2016 | Equipment and inventory financed by vendor | ||||
De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. | DE SOS | 2016 ###-###-#### | 09/27/2016 | Equipment and inventory financed by vendor | ||||
De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. | DE SOS | 2016 ###-###-#### | 09/29/2016 | Apple iPad Equipment | ||||
Robert Reiser & Co., Inc. | DE SOS | 2016 ###-###-#### | 12/27/2016 | Continuous Stuffer with Guillotine Cutoff |
Debtor: Panera Bread Company
Secured Party | Jurisdiction | File Number | File Date | Collateral Description* | ||||
NCR Corporation | DE SOS | 2014  ###-###-#### | 08/26/2014 | Equipment |
*Collateral description is for informational purposes only. Collateral descriptions set forth in the financing statements are incorporated into these Schedules.
Schedule 7.02
Existing Investments
Equity investments in:
Panera Bread (BC) ULC
Schedule 10.02
Administrative Agents Office,
Certain Addresses For Notices
Information Required Under Section 5.17
Panera Bread Company EIN: 04 ###-###-####
BORROWER:
Panera Bread Company
3630 South Geyer Road, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63127
Attention: | Mark Wooldridge |
Telephone: (314)  ###-###-####
Telecopier: (314)  ###-###-####
Electronic Mail: ***@***
and
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (314)  ###-###-####
Telecopier: (314)  ###-###-####
Website Address: www.panerabread.com
(for all other notices):
Panera Bread Company
3630 South Geyer Road, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63127
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (314)  ###-###-####
Telecopier: (314)  ###-###-####
with copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Panera Bread Company
63 Kendrick Street
Needham, MA 02494
Attention: Louis DiPietro
Telephone: (314)  ###-###-####
Telecopier: (314)  ###-###-####
Electronic Mail: ***@***
and
WilmerHale
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109 USA
Attention: John D. Sigel
Attention: Jamie N. Class
Telephone: 617 ###-###-####
Telecopier: 617 ###-###-####
Electronic Mail: ***@***
Electronic Mail: ***@***
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:
(financial reporting requirements, bank group communications)
Bank of America, N.A.
Mail Code: NC1-026-06-03
900 West Trade St.
Charlotte, NC ###-###-####
Attention: Kelly Weaver
Telephone:   ###-###-####
Facsimile:   ###-###-####
Electronic Mail: ***@***
(for payments and Credit Extensions):
Agency Servicing (daily borrowings/repaying activity)
Bank of America, N.A.
Mail Code: NC1-001-05-46
101 North Tryon St. 5th Floor
Charlotte, NC 28255
Attention: Monique Haley
Telephone:   ###-###-####
Facsimile:   ###-###-####
Email: ***@***
Wire Instructions:
Bank of America, N.A.
New York, NY
ABA #:
Account Name: Credit Services Charlotte
Acct #:
Reference: Panera Bread Company
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF
TERM LOAN NOTICE
Date: ,
To: | Bank of America, NA., as Administrative Agent |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to that certain Term Loan Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2017 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the Agreement; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Panera Bread Company, a Delaware corporation (the Borrower), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
The undersigned hereby requests:
☐ | A Borrowing of Term Loans |
☐ | A conversion or continuation of Term Loans |
1. | On (a Business Day). |
2. | In the amount of $ (Borrowing). |
In the amount of $ (conversion). |
In the amount of $ (continuation). |
3. | Comprised of |
[Type of Term Loan requested (Borrowing)] |
Comprised of |
[Type of Term Loan requested (conversion)] |
Comprised of |
[Type of Term Loan requested (continuation)] |
4. | For Eurodollar Rate Loans: with an Interest Period of [1][2][3][6] month[s]. |
The Borrowing of Term Loans, if any, requested herein complies with the provisos to the first sentence of Section 2.01 of the Agreement.
PANERA BREAD COMPANY | ||
By: |
Name: | ||
Title: |
EXHIBIT B
Reserved
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF NOTE
$[ ] | [ ], 2017] |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the Borrower) hereby promises to pay to or registered assigns (the Lender), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of Dollars ($ ) or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Term Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower under that certain Term Loan Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2017 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the Agreement; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan from the date of such Term Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agents Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.
This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. This Note is also entitled to the benefits of the Guaranty. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF (OTHER THAN SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW).
PANERA BREAD COMPANY | ||
By: |
Name: | ||
Title: |
LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO
Date | Type of Loan Made | Amount of Loan Made | End of Interest Period | Amount of Principal or Interest Paid This Date | Outstanding Principal Balance This Date | Notation Made By | ||||||||||||||||
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
Financial Statement Date: ,
To: | Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to that certain Loan Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2017 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the Agreement; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Panera Bread Company, a Delaware corporation (the Borrower), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
The undersigned Responsible Officer hereby certifies as of the date hereof that he/she is the of the Borrower, and that, as such, he/she is authorized to execute and deliver this Compliance Certificate to the Administrative Agent on the behalf of the Borrower, and that
[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal year-end financial
statements]
1. The Borrower has delivered the year-end audited financial statements required by Section 6.01(a) of the Agreement for the fiscal year of the Borrower ended as of the above date, together with the report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant required by such section.
[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal quarter-end financial
statements]
1. The Borrower has delivered the unaudited financial statements required by Section 6.01(b) of the Agreement for the fiscal quarter of the Borrower ended as of the above date. Such financial statements fairly present the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP as at such date and for such period, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.
2. A review of the activities of the Borrower during such fiscal period has been made under the supervision of the undersigned with a view to determining whether during such fiscal period the Borrower performed and observed all its obligations under the Loan Documents, and
[select one]
[to the best knowledge of the undersigned, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.]
or
[to the best knowledge of the undersigned, the following is a list of any Default or Event of Default that has occurred and is continuing, and its nature and status:]
[3]. The financial covenant analyses and information set forth on Schedules 1 and 2 attached hereto are true and accurate on and as of the date of this Compliance Certificate.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Compliance Certificate as of , .
PANERA BREAD COMPANY | ||
By: |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Schedule 1
[Attach worksheet]
Panera Bread Company
Debt Compliance & Covenant Calculation
As of [Reference Period]
Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Calculation
For the fiscal quarter ended | For the 4 fiscal quarters ended | |||||||||||||||||||
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Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bakery-cafe sales | ||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise royalties and fees | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fresh dough sales to franchises | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Total revenue | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bakery-cafe expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of food and paper products | ||||||||||||||||||||
Labor | ||||||||||||||||||||
Occupancy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Total baker-café expense | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Fresh dough cost of sales to franchises | ||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
Refranchising loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-opening expenses | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
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Total costs and expenses | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
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Operating profit | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expense, net | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Income before minority interest and income taxes | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Loss allocable to minority interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Income before income taxes | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Net income | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
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Consolidated EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||||||
+Consolidated net income | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Consolidated total interest expense | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Net income tax expense | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Total depreciation and amortization expense | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Consolidated Pre-Opening expenses | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Non-cash charges related to stock incentive plans | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Non-cash charges related to incentive based compensation | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Extraordinary items of expense incurred | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Non-recurring, non-cash expensesA | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
-Net income tax benefit | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
-Extraordinary items of income incurred | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
-Other non-cash items increasing net incomeB | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+/-Pro forma basis adjustments | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
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Consolidated EBITDA | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Consolidated rental expense | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Without Duplication of Pre-Opening rental expense) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Consolidated EBITDAR | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Consolidated interest expense | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Consolidated rental expense | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
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Consolidated fixed charges | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Adjusted fixed charge coverage ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||
Minimum ratio required | 2.00 | |||||||||||||||||||
Compliance (Yes/No) | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||
(A) Non-recurring, non-cash expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Total | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||
(B) Non-Cash income summary: | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Total | $ | |
Schedule 2
[Attach worksheet]
Panera Bread Company
Debt Compliance & Covenant Calculation
As of [Reference Period]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio Calculation
For the fiscal quarter ended | For the 4 fiscal quarters ended | |||||||||||||||||||
[ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bakery-cafe sales | ||||||||||||||||||||
Franchise royalties and fees | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fresh dough sales to franchises | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Total revenue | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Costs and expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bakery-cafe expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of food and paper products | ||||||||||||||||||||
Labor | ||||||||||||||||||||
Occupancy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Total baker-café expense | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Fresh dough cost of sales to franchises | ||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
Refranchising loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-opening expenses | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
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Total costs and expenses | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
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Operating profit | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) expense, net | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Income before minority interest and income taxes | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Loss allocable to minority interest | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Income before income taxes | | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Net income | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
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Consolidated EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||||||
+Consolidated net income | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Consolidated total interest expense | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Net income tax expense | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Total depreciation and amortization expense | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Consolidated Pre-Opening expenses | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Non-cash charges related to stock incentive plans | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Non-cash charges related to incentive based compensation | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Extraordinary items of expense incurred | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+Non-recurring, non-cash expensesA | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
-Net income tax benefit | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
-Extraordinary items of income incurred | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
-Other non-cash items increasing net incomeB | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
+/- Pro forma basis adjustments | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
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Consolidated EBITDA | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: | $ | | ||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Funded IndebtednessC | ||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leverage Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum Ratio required (not to exceed) | 3.00 | |||||||||||||||||||
Compliance (Yes/No) | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||
(A) Non-recurring, non-cash expenses: Total | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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(B) Non-Cash income summary: Total | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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(C) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness: Total | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
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EXHIBIT E-1
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
This Assignment and Assumption (this Assignment and Assumption) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each]1 Assignor identified is item 1 below ([the][each, an] Assignor) and [the][each]2 Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] Assignee). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees] hereunder are several and not joint]. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Loan Agreement identified below (the Loan Agreement), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex I attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.
For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Loan Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignors][the respective Assignors] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Loan Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Loan Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the] [an] Assigned Interest). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the] [any] Assignor.
1 For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.
2 For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to a single Assignee(s), choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.
1. | Assignor[s]: |
2. | Assignee[s]: |
[for each Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [identify Lender]] |
3. | Borrower: Panera Bread Company |
4. | Administrative Agent: Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Loan Agreement |
5. | Loan Agreement: Term Loan Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2017, among Panera Bread Company, a Delaware corporation, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent. |
6. | Assigned Interest[s]: |
Assignor[s] | Assignee[s] | Aggregate Amount of Term Loan for all Lenders3 | Amount of Term Loans Assigned | Percentage Assigned of Term Loans4 | CUSIP Number |
2. | Trade Date: 5 |
Effective Date: , 201 [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF 1-1-2ANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]
3 Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.
4 Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Term Loans of all Lenders thereunder.
5 To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.
The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:
ASSIGNOR | ||
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR] | ||
By: |
Name: | ||
Title: |
ASSIGNEE | ||
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE] | ||
By: |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Consented to and]6 Accepted: | ||
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent | ||
By: |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Consented to:]7 | ||
PANERA BREAD COMPANY | ||
By: |
Name: | ||
Title: |
6 To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent is required by the terms of the Loan Agreement.
7 To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Loan Agreement.
ANNEX I TO ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
PANERA BREAD COMPANY
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
1. Representations and Warranties.
1.1 Assignor. [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][[the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no Responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.
1.2 Assignee. [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Loan Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii), and (v) of the Loan Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii) of the Loan Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, at shall be bound by the provisions of the Loan Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the][such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the][such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Loan Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the] [such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and(b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent,[the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.
3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York without regard to conflict of laws principles thereof (other than Sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 of the New York General Obligations Law).
EXHIBIT E-2
FORM OF ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE
See attached.
1
ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE (US DOLLAR ONLY)
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
1. | Information as of date (enter date): |
2. | Borrower or Deal Name: Panera Bread Company 2017 Term Loan Agreement |
3. | Legal Name of Lender of Record for Signature Page: |
Markit Entity Identifier (MEI) #: |
Fund Manager Name (if applicable): |
Legal Address from Tax Document of Lender of Record: |
Country: |
Address: |
City: State/Province: Postal Code: |
4. Domestic Funding Address: | 5. Eurodollar Funding Address (if different than #4): | |||||
Street Address: | Street Address: | |||||
Suite/Mail Code: | Suite/Mail Code: | |||||
City: State: | City: State: | |||||
Postal Code: | Country: | Postal Code: | Country: |
6. | Credit Contact Information: |
Syndicate level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower and its related parties or their respective securities will be made available to the Credit Contact(s). The Credit Contacts identified must be able to receive such information in accordance with his/her institutions compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
Primary Credit Contact: | Secondary Credit Contact: | |
First Name: | First Name: | |
Middle Name: | Middle Name: | |
Last Name: | Last Name: | |
Title: | Title: | |
Street Address: | Street Address: | |
Suite/Mail Code: | Suite/Mail Code: | |
City: | City: | |
State: | State: | |
Postal Code: | Postal Code: | |
Country: | Country: | |
Office Telephone #: | Office Telephone #: | |
Office Facsimile #: | Office Facsimile #: | |
Work E-Mail Address: | Work E-Mail Address: | |
SyndTrak E-Mail Address: | SyndTrak E-Mail Address: |
Additional SyndTrak User Access:
Enter E-Mail Addresses of any respective contact who should have access to SyndTrak below.
SyndTrak E-Mail Addresses:
Primary Operations Contact: | First: MI: Last: |
2
ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE (US DOLLAR ONLY)
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Title: | First: MI: Last: | |
Street Address: | Title: | |
Suite/Mail Code: | Street Address: | |
City: State: | Suite/Mail Code: | |
Postal Code: Country: | City: State: | |
Telephone: Facsimile: | Postal Code: Country: | |
E-Mail Address: | Telephone: Facsimile: | |
SyndTrak E-Mail Address: | E-Mail Address: | |
Secondary Operations Contact: | SyndTrak E-Mail Address: |
Does Secondary Operations Contact need copy of notices? YES ☐ NO ☐
Letter of Credit Contact: | Draft Documentation Contact or Legal Counsel: | |
First: MI: Last: | First: MI: Last: | |
Title: | Title: | |
Street Address: | Street Address: | |
Suite/Mail Code: | Suite/ Mail Code: | |
City: State: | City: State: | |
Postal Code: Country: | Postal Code: Country: | |
Telephone: Facsimile: | Telephone: Facsimile: | |
E-Mail Address: | E-Mail Address: |
7. Lenders Fed Wire Payment Instructions:
Pay to:
Bank Name:
ABA #:
City: State:
Account #:
Account Name:
Attention:
8. Lenders Standby Letter of Credit, Commercial Letter of Credit, and Bankers Acceptance Fed Wire Payment Instructions (if applicable):
Pay to:
Bank Name:
ABA #:
City: State:
Account #:
Account Name:
Attention:
Use Lenders Fed Wire Payment Instructions in Section #7 above? YES ☐ NO ☐
9. Lenders Organizational Structure and Tax Status
3
ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE (US DOLLAR ONLY)
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Please refer to the enclosed withholding tax instructions below and then complete this section accordingly:
Lender Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): -
Tax Withholding Form Delivered to Bank of America (check applicable one):
W-9 ☐ W-8BEN ☐ W-8BEN-E ☐ W-8ECI ☐ W-8EXP ☐ W-8IMY ☐
Tax Contact:
First: MI: Last:
Title:
Street Address:
Suite/Mail Code:
City: State:
Postal Code: Country:
Telephone: Facsimile:
E-Mail Address:
SyndTrak E-Mail Address:
NON-U.S. LENDER INSTITUTIONS
1. Corporations:
If your institution is organized outside of the United States, is classified as a Corporation or other non-flow through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and is the beneficial owner of the interest and other income it receives, you must complete one of the following three tax forms, as applicable to your institution: a.) Form W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (and a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate if applicable)) or Form W-8BEN-E, b.) Form W-8ECI (Certificate of Foreign Persons Claim that Income is Effectively Connected with the Conduct of a Trade or Business in the United States), or c.) Form W-8EXP (Certificate of Foreign Government or Other Foreign Organization for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting).
A U.S. taxpayer identification number is required for any institution submitting a Form W-8 ECI. It is also required on Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E for certain institutions claiming the benefits of a tax treaty with the U.S. Please refer to the instructions when completing the form applicable to your institution.
2. Flow-Through Entities
If your institution is organized outside the U.S., and is classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as either a Partnership, Trust, Qualified or Non-Qualified Intermediary, or other non-U.S. flow-through entity, an original Form W-8IMY (Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting) must be completed by the intermediary together with a withholding statement. Flow-through entities other than Qualified Intermediaries are required to include tax forms for each of the underlying beneficial owners.
Please refer to the instructions when completing this form
U.S. LENDER INSTITUTIONS:
If your institution is incorporated or organized within the United States, you must complete and return Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification).
4
ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE (US DOLLAR ONLY)
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Pursuant to the language contained in the tax section of the Credit Agreement, the applicable tax form for your institution must be completed and returned on or prior to the date on which your institution becomes a lender under this Credit Agreement. Failure to provide the proper tax form when requested will subject your institution to U.S. tax withholding.
*Additional guidance and instructions as to where to submit this documentation can be found at this link:
10. Bank of Americas Payment Instructions:
Pay to: | Bank of America, N.A. ABA # New York, NY Account #: Attn: Ref: |
EXHIBIT F
FORM OF GUARANTY
See attached.
GUARANTY
GUARANTY, dated as of February 1, 2017, by and among PANERA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PUMPERNICKEL, INC., a Delaware corporation, ARTISAN BREAD, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PANERA ENTERPRISES, INC., a Delaware corporation, PANERA INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation, PANERA CANADA HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation, PUMPERNICKEL ASSOCIATES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CAP CITY BREAD, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PARADISE BAKERY & CAFÉ, INC., a Delaware corporation, BAKERY CAFE CARDS, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company and any other Person (as defined in the Loan Agreement) which may become a Guarantor hereunder pursuant to a duly executed Joinder Agreement to Guaranty in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto (collectively, the Guarantors, each as a Guarantor) in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association, as administrative agent (hereinafter, in such capacity, the Administrative Agent) for itself and the other lending institutions (hereinafter, collectively, the Lenders) which are, or may become, parties to that certain Term Loan Agreement dated as of February 1, 2017 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the Loan Agreement; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Panera Bread Company, a Delaware corporation, as the borrower (the Borrower), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
WHEREAS, the Borrower and the Guarantors are members of a group of related corporations, the success of any one of which is dependent in part on the success of the other members of such group;
WHEREAS, each Guarantor expects to receive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the extensions of credit to the Borrower by the Lenders pursuant to the Loan Agreement (which benefits are hereby acknowledged);
WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the Lenders making any Loans or otherwise extending credit to the Borrower under the Loan Agreement that each Guarantor execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, this Guaranty; and
WHEREAS, each Guarantor and the Administrative Agent wish to enter into this Guaranty for the benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent as provided herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged each Guarantor hereby agrees with the Lenders and the Administrative Agent as follows:
1. Definitions. The term Obligations and all other capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the respective meanings provided therefor in the Loan Agreement.
2. Guaranty of Payment and Performance. Each Guarantor hereby jointly and severally unconditionally guarantees to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent the full and
punctual payment when due (whether at stated maturity, by required pre-payment, by acceleration or otherwise), as well as the performance, of all of the Obligations including all such which would become due but for the operation of the automatic stay pursuant to §362(a) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the Bankruptcy Code) and the operation of §§502(b) and 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. This Guaranty is an absolute, unconditional and continuing guaranty of the full and punctual payment and performance of all of the Obligations and not of their collectibility only and is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that the Administrative Agent or any Lender first attempt to collect any of the Obligations from the Borrower or resort to any collateral security or other means of obtaining payment. Should an Event of Default occur and be continuing, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder with respect to such Obligations shall, upon demand by the Administrative Agent, become immediately due and payable to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, without demand or notice of any nature, all of which are expressly waived by each Guarantor. Payments by any Guarantor hereunder may be required by the Administrative Agent on any number of occasions. All payments by each Guarantor hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, in the manner and at the place of payment specified therefor in the Loan Agreement, for the account of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.
3. Guarantors Agreement to Pay Enforcement Costs, etc. Each Guarantor further jointly and severally agrees, as the principal obligor and not as a guarantor only, to pay to the Administrative Agent, on demand, all costs and expenses (including court costs and legal expenses) incurred or expended by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the Obligations, this Guaranty and the enforcement thereof, together with interest on amounts recoverable under this §3 from the time when such amounts become due until payment, whether before or after judgment, at the rate of interest for overdue amounts set forth in the Loan Agreement, provided that if such interest exceeds the maximum amount permitted to be paid under applicable law, then such interest shall be reduced to such maximum permitted amount.
4. Waivers by Guarantors; Lenders Freedom to Act. Each Guarantor agrees that the Obligations will be paid and performed strictly in accordance with their respective terms, regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect thereto. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing herein shall obligate a Guarantor to make any payment which is illegal for such Guarantor to have made under any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction applicable to such Guarantor. Each Guarantor waives promptness, diligence, presentment, demand, protest, notice of acceptance, notice of any Obligations incurred and all other notices of any kind, all defenses which may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, any right to require the marshalling of assets of the Borrower, the Guarantors or any other entity or other person primarily or secondarily liable with respect to any of the Obligations, and all suretyship defenses generally. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor agrees to the provisions of any instrument evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation and agrees that the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder shall not be released or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Borrower or any other entity or other person primarily or secondarily liable
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with respect to any of the Obligations; (ii) any extensions, compromise, refinancing, consolidation or renewals of any Obligation; (iii) any change in the time, place or manner of payment of any of the Obligations or any rescissions, waivers, compromise, refinancing, consolidation or other amendments or modifications of any of the terms or provisions of the Loan Agreement, the Notes, the other Loan Documents or any other agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any of the Obligations; (iv) the addition, substitution or release of any entity or other person primarily or secondarily liable for any Obligation; (v) the adequacy of any rights which the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have against any collateral security or other means of obtaining repayment of any of the Obligations; (vi) the impairment of any collateral securing any of the Obligations, including without limitation the failure to perfect or preserve any rights which the Administrative Agent or any Lender might have in such collateral security or the substitution, exchange, surrender, release, loss or destruction of any such collateral security; or (vii) any other act or omission which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Guarantor or otherwise operate as a release or discharge of such Guarantor, all of which may be done without notice to any of the Guarantors. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Guarantor hereby expressly waives any and all rights or defenses arising by reason of (A) any one action or anti-deficiency law which would otherwise prevent the Administrative Agent or any Lender from bringing any action, including any claim for a deficiency, or exercising any other right or remedy (including any right of set-off), against such Guarantor before or after the Administrative Agents or such Lenders commencement or completion of any foreclosure action, whether judicially, by exercise of power of sale or otherwise, or (B) any other law which in any other way would otherwise require any election of remedies by the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
5. Unenforceability of Obligations Against Borrower. If for any reason the Borrower has no legal existence or is under no legal obligation to discharge any of the Obligations, or if any of the Obligations have become irrecoverable from the Borrower by reason of the Borrowers insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization or by other operation of law or for any other reason, this Guaranty shall nevertheless be binding on each Guarantor to the same extent as if such Guarantor at all times had been the principal obligor on all such Obligations. This Guaranty shall be in addition to any other guaranty or other security for the Obligations, and it shall not be prejudiced or rendered unenforceable by the inability of any such other guaranty or security. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Obligations is stayed upon the application of any Debtor Relief Laws to the Borrower, or for any other reason, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of the Loan Agreement, the Notes, the other Loan Documents or any other agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation shall be immediately due and payable by each Guarantor.
6. Subrogation; Subordination.
6.1. Waiver of Rights Against Borrower. Until the final payment in cash and performance in full of all of the Obligations, (i) no Guarantor shall exercise and each hereby waives any rights against the Borrower arising as a result of payment by such Guarantor hereunder, by way of subrogation, reimbursement, restitution, contribution or otherwise, and will not prove any claim in competition with the Administrative Agent or
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any Lender in respect of any payment hereunder in any bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization case or proceedings of any nature; (ii) no Guarantor will claim any setoff, recoupment or counterclaim against the Borrower in respect of any liability of such Guarantor to the Borrower; and (iii) each Guarantor waives any benefit of and any right to participate in any collateral security which may be held by the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
6.2. Subordination. The payment of any amounts due with respect to any indebtedness of the Borrower for money borrowed or credit received now or hereafter owed to any of the Guarantors is hereby expressly made subordinate and junior in right of payment to the prior payment in full in cash of all of the Obligations. Each Guarantor agrees that, after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, such Guarantor will not demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness of the Borrower to any of the Guarantors until all of the Obligations shall have been paid in full in cash. If, notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, any Guarantor shall collect, enforce or receive any amounts in respect of such indebtedness while any Obligations are still outstanding, such amounts shall be collected, enforced and received by such Guarantor as trustee for the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and be paid over to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, on account of the Obligations without affecting in any manner the liability of any Guarantor under the other provisions of this Guaranty.
6.3. Provisions Supplemental. The provisions of this §6 shall be supplemental to and not in derogation of any rights and remedies of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under any separate subordination agreement which the Administrative Agent may at any time and from time to time enter into with any Guarantor for the benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.
7. Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency other than accounts held as trust accounts for the benefit of third parties) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by the Administrative Agent, such Lender, or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of any Guarantor against any and all of the obligations of such Guarantor now or hereafter existing under this Guaranty or any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent or such Lender, irrespective of whether or not the Administrative Agent or such Lender shall have made any demand under this Guaranty or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of such Guarantor may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of the Administrative Agent or such Lender different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of the Administrative Agent, each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this §7 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Administrative Agent, such Lender or their respective Affiliates may have. The Administrative Agent and each Lender agree to notify the applicable Guarantor and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.
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8. Further Assurances. Each Guarantor agrees that it will from time to time, at the request of the Administrative Agent, do all such things and execute all such documents as the Administrative Agent may consider necessary or desirable to give full effect to this Guaranty and to perfect and preserve the rights and powers of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereunder. Each Guarantor acknowledges and confirms that such Guarantor itself has established its own adequate means of obtaining from the Borrower on a continuing basis all information desired by such Guarantor concerning the financial condition of the Borrower and that such Guarantor will look to the Borrower and not to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in order for such Guarantor to keep adequately informed of changes in the Borrowers financial condition.
9. Termination; Reinstatement. This Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect until the Obligations have been paid in cash and performed in full and all credit commitments of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in respect thereof have terminated. This Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, notwithstanding any termination, if at any time any payment made or value received with respect to any Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Administrative Agent or any Lender upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or any of the Guarantors hereunder, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made or value received.
10. Successors and Assigns. This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and their respective successors, transferees and assigns. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, each Lender may assign or otherwise transfer the Loan Agreement, the Notes, the other Loan Documents or any other agreement or note held by it evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with the Obligations, or sell participations in any interest therein, to any other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested, to the extent set forth in the agreement evidencing such assignment, transfer or participation, with all the rights in respect thereof granted to such Lender herein, all in accordance with §10.06 of the Loan Agreement. No Guarantor may assign any of its obligations hereunder.
11. Amendments and Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty nor consent to any departure by any Guarantor therefrom shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the procedures set forth in §10.01 of the Loan Agreement. No such waiver shall extend to affect or impair any right with respect to the Obligations that is not expressly dealt with therein. No failure on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.
12. Notices. All notices and other communications called for hereunder shall be made in writing and, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly made or given when made or given in accordance with §10.02 of the Loan Agreement,
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addressed as follows: if to a Guarantor, at the address of the Borrower indicated in Schedule 10.02 of the Credit Agreement, and if to the Administrative Agent, at the address for notices to the Administrative Agent set forth in §10.02 of the Loan Agreement, or at such address as either party may designate in writing to the other.
13. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction. THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (EXCLUDING THE LAWS APPLICABLE TO CONFLICTS OR CHOICE OF LAW (OTHER THAN THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW §5-1401)). Each Guarantor agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Guaranty may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or any federal court sitting therein and consents to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such court and to service of process in any such suit being made upon such Guarantor by mail at the address specified by reference in §12. Each Guarantor hereby waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit was brought in an inconvenient court.
14. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH GUARANTOR, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT FOR ITSELF AND THE LENDERS BY ACCEPTANCE OF THIS GUARANTY, HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF ANY DISPUTE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS GUARANTY, ANY RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER OR THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY OF SUCH RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS. Except as prohibited by law, each Guarantor hereby waives any right which it may have to claim or recover in any litigation referred to in the preceding sentence any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages or any damages other than, or in addition to, actual damages. Each Guarantor (i) certifies that neither the Administrative Agent or any Lender nor any representative, agent or attorney of the Administrative Agent or any Lender has represented, expressly or otherwise, that the Administrative Agent or any Lender would not, in the event of litigation, seek to enforce the foregoing waivers and (ii) acknowledges that, in entering into the Loan Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent or any Lender is a party, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are relying upon, among other things, the waivers and certifications contained in this §14.
15. Miscellaneous. This Guaranty constitutes the entire agreement of each Guarantor with respect to the matters set forth herein. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or any other agreement. The invalidity or unenforceability of any one or more sections of this Guaranty shall not affect the validity or enforceability of its remaining provisions. This Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same agreement. Captions are for the ease of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of the relevant provisions. The meanings of all defined terms used in this Guaranty shall be equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.
16. Concerning Joint and Several Liability of the Guarantors.
(a) Each Guarantor accepts joint and several liability for the Obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents in consideration of the financial accommodations to be
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provided by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under the Loan Agreement, for the mutual benefit, directly and indirectly, of each Guarantor and in consideration of the undertakings of each other Guarantor to accept joint and several liability for the Obligations.
(b) Each Guarantor, jointly and severally, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally accepts, not merely as a surety but also as a co-debtor, joint and several liability with the other Guarantors with respect to the payment and performance of all of the Obligations arising under this Guaranty without preferences or distinction among them.
(c) The obligations of each Guarantor under the provisions of this Guaranty constitute full recourse obligations of each Guarantor enforceable against each such Guarantor to the full extent of its properties and assets, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Loan Agreement or any other Loan Documents or any other circumstance whatsoever.
(d) To the extent any Guarantor makes a payment hereunder in excess of the aggregate amount of the benefit received by such Guarantor in respect of the extensions of credit under the Loan Agreement (the Benefit Amount), then such Guarantor, after the payment in full, in cash, of all of the Obligations, shall be entitled to recover from each other Guarantor such excess payment, pro rata, in accordance with the ratio of the Benefit Amount received by each such other Guarantor to the total Benefit Amount received by all Guarantors, and the right to such recovery shall be deemed to be an asset and property of such Guarantor so funding; provided, that each Guarantor hereby agrees that it will not enforce any of its rights of contribution or subrogation against the other Guarantors with respect to any liability incurred by it hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, any payments made by it to any of the Lenders or the Administrative Agent with respect to any of the Obligations or any collateral security therefor until such time as all of the Obligations have been irrevocably paid in full in cash. Any claim which any Guarantor may have against any other Guarantor with respect to any payments to the Lenders or the Administrative Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document are hereby expressly made subordinate and junior in right of payment, without limitation as to any increases in the Obligations arising hereunder or thereunder, to the prior payment in full of the Obligations and, in the event of the application of any Debtor Relief Laws relating to any Guarantor, its debts or its assets, whether voluntary or involuntary, all such Obligations shall be paid in full before any payment or distribution of any character, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made to any other Guarantor therefor.
(e) It is the intention and agreement of the Guarantors and the Lenders that the obligations of the Guarantors under this Guaranty shall be valid and enforceable against each Guarantor to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. If any provision of this Guaranty creating any obligation of the Guarantors in favor of the Lenders shall be declared to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect or to any extent, it is the stated intention and agreement of the Guarantors and the Lenders that any balance of the obligation created by such provision and all other obligations of the Guarantors to the Lenders created by other provisions of this Guaranty shall remain valid and enforceable. Likewise, if by final order a court of competent jurisdiction shall declare any sums which the Lenders may be otherwise entitled to collect from a Guarantor under this Guaranty to be in excess of those permitted under any law (including any federal or state fraudulent conveyance or like statute or rule of law) applicable to such Guarantors
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obligations under this Guaranty, it is the stated intention and agreement of the Guarantors and the Lenders that all sums not in excess of those permitted under such applicable law shall remain fully collectible by the Lenders from such Guarantor.
(f) Each Guarantor makes as to itself, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, the representations applicable to it contained in Article V of the Loan Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be executed and delivered as of the date first above written.
ARTISAN BREAD, LLC BAKERY CAFÉ CARDS, LLC CAP CITY BREAD, LLC PANERA CANADA HOLDINGS, INC. PANERA INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC. PANERA BAKERY & CAFÉ, INC. PUMPERNICKEL ASSOCIATES, LLC PUMPERNICKEL, INC. | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | Michael J. Bufano | |||
Title: | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
PANERA ENTERPRISES, INC. | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | Michael J. Bufano | |||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
PANERA, LLC | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | Michael J. Bufano | |||
Title: | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer |
Guaranty
Signature Page
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT TO GUARANTY
as of ,
To: | The Administrative Agent and the Lenders who are parties to the |
Loan Agreement (as such terms are defined below): |
Reference is hereby made to the Guaranty (the Guaranty) dated as of July 16, 2015 by and among PANERA, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PUMPERNICKEL, INC., a Delaware corporation, ARTISAN BREAD, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PANERA ENTERPRISES, INC., a Delaware corporation, PANERA INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation, PANERA CANADA HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation, PUMPERNICKEL ASSOCIATES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, CAP CITY BREAD, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, PARADISE BAKERY & CAFÉ, INC., a Delaware corporation, BAKERY CAFE CARDS, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company and any other Person (as defined in the Loan Agreement) which may become a Subsidiary (as defined in the Loan Agreement) and a party thereunder pursuant to a duly executed Joinder Agreement to Guaranty (collectively, the Guarantors, each as a Guarantor) in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (Bank of America), a national banking association, as administrative agent (the Administrative Agent) for itself and the other lending institutions (collectively, the Lenders) which are, or may become, parties to that certain Term Loan Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2017 (as amended, modified, supplemented, or restated and in effect from time to time, the Loan Agreement), by and among Panera Bread Company, a Delaware corporation, as the borrower (the Borrower), the Lenders and Bank of America, as administrative agent.
The undersigned acknowledges, and represents and warrants, the following: the undersigned is a [corporation incorporated] [general/limited partnership formed] [other entity constituted] on or prior to the date hereof; the Borrower is the direct or indirect owner of all of the Equity Interests (as defined in the Loan Agreement) of the undersigned; the financial success of the undersigned is expected to depend in whole or in part upon the financial success of the Borrower; the undersigned will receive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the Lenders extensions of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Loan Agreement; and the undersigned wishes to become a party to the Guaranty and to guarantee the full and prompt payment and performance of the Obligations (as defined in the Loan Agreement).
In consideration of the foregoing and for other valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned by its execution of this Joinder Agreement to Guaranty hereby joins the Guaranty and becomes a Guarantor party thereto for all purposes thereof. The undersigned further covenants and agrees that by its execution hereof it shall be bound by and shall comply with all terms and conditions of the Guaranty and that it is jointly and severally liable with all of the Guarantors for the payment and performance of all Obligations of the Guarantors under the Guaranty.
Very truly yours, | ||||
[NAME] | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
Accepted: | ||||
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |