as Administrative Agent, WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC and GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Co-Collateral Agents, WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC and GE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC. asCo-Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners, GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION as Syndication Agent, THE LENDERS THAT ARE PARTIES HERETO as the Lenders, SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC. CLASSROOMDIRECT.COM, LLC SPORTIME, LLC DELTA EDUCATION, LLC PREMIER AGENDAS, INC. CHILDCRAFT EDUCATION CORP. BIRD-IN-HAND WOODWORKS, INC. and CALIFONE INTERNATIONAL, INC. as Borrowers Dated as of January 31, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS

EX-10.3 4 d456079dex103.htm EX-10.3 EX-10.3

Exhibit 10.3

 

 

 

 

  

DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION CREDIT AGREEMENT

  

by and among

  

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC

as Administrative Agent,

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC and GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION,

as Co-Collateral Agents,

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC and GE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.

as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Runners,

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION

as Syndication Agent,

THE LENDERS THAT ARE PARTIES HERETO

as the Lenders,

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

CLASSROOMDIRECT.COM, LLC

SPORTIME, LLC

DELTA EDUCATION, LLC

PREMIER AGENDAS, INC.

CHILDCRAFT EDUCATION CORP.

BIRD-IN-HAND WOODWORKS, INC.

and

CALIFONE INTERNATIONAL, INC.

as Borrowers

Dated as of January 31, 2013

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

         Page  
1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION      2   

1.1.

 

Definitions

     2   

1.2.

 

Accounting Terms

     2   

1.3.

 

Code

     2   

1.4.

 

Construction

     2   

1.5.

 

Time References

     3   

1.6.

 

Schedules and Exhibits

     4   
2. LOANS AND TERMS OF PAYMENT      4   

2.1.

 

Revolving Loans

     4   

2.2.

 

Intentionally Omitted

     5   

2.3.

 

Borrowing Procedures and Settlements

     5   

2.4.

 

Payments; Reductions of Commitments; Prepayments

     13   

2.5.

 

Promise to Pay

     18   

2.6.

 

Interest Rates and Letter of Credit Fee: Rates, Payments, and Calculations

     19   

2.7.

 

Crediting Payments

     20   

2.8.

 

Designated Account

     21   

2.9.

 

Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Obligations

     21   

2.10.

 

Fees

     21   

2.11.

 

Letters of Credit

     22   

2.12.

 

LIBOR Option

     29   

2.13.

 

Capital Requirements

     32   

2.14.

 

Joint and Several Liability of Borrowers

     33   
3. CONDITIONS; TERM OF AGREEMENT      35   

3.1.

 

Conditions Precedent to the Initial Extension of Credit

     35   

3.2.

 

Conditions Precedent to all Extensions of Credit

     36   

3.3.

 

Maturity

     36   

3.4.

 

Effect of Maturity

     36   

3.5.

 

Early Termination by Borrowers

     37   

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

         Page  

4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     37   

4.1.

 

Due Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries

     37   

4.2.

 

Due Authorization; No Conflict

     38   

4.3.

 

Governmental Consents

     38   

4.4.

 

Binding Obligations; Perfected Liens

     39   

4.5.

 

Title to Assets; No Encumbrances

     39   

4.6.

 

Litigation

     39   

4.7.

 

Compliance with Laws

     39   

4.8.

 

No Material Adverse Effect

     40   

4.9.

 

No Fraudulent Conveyance

     40   

4.10.

 

Employee Benefits

     40   

4.11.

 

Environmental Condition

     40   

4.12.

 

Complete Disclosure

     40   

4.13.

 

Patriot Act

     41   

4.14.

 

Indebtedness

     41   

4.15.

 

Payment of Taxes

     41   

4.16.

 

Margin Stock

     42   

4.17.

 

Governmental Regulation

     42   

4.18.

 

OFAC

     42   

4.19.

 

Employee and Labor Matters

     42   

4.20.

 

Intentionally Omitted

     43   

4.21.

 

Leases

     43   

4.22.

 

Eligible Accounts

     43   

4.23.

 

Eligible Inventory

     43   

4.24.

 

Location of Inventory

     43   

4.25.

 

Inventory Records

     43   

4.26.

 

Other Documents

     43   

4.27.

 

Matters Relating to Liens and Property Rights

     43   

4.28.

 

Budget

     44   

4.29.

 

Financing Order

     44   

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

         Page  
5. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS      44   

5.1.

 

Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates

     44   

5.2.

 

Reporting

     44   

5.3.

 

Existence

     45   

5.4.

 

Maintenance of Properties

     45   

5.5.

 

Taxes

     45   

5.6.

 

Insurance

     45   

5.7.

 

Inspection

     46   

5.8.

 

Compliance with Laws

     46   

5.9.

 

Environmental

     46   

5.10.

 

Disclosure Updates

     47   

5.11.

 

Intentionally omitted

     47   

5.12.

 

Further Assurances

     47   

5.13.

 

Chief Restructuring Officer

     47   

5.14.

 

Location of Inventory

     48   

5.15.

 

Guarantor Reports

     48   

5.16.

 

Bankruptcy Transaction Milestones

     48   
6. NEGATIVE COVENANTS      48   

6.1.

 

Indebtedness

     48   

6.2.

 

Liens

     48   

6.3.

 

Restrictions on Fundamental Changes

     49   

6.4.

 

Disposal of Assets

     49   

6.5.

 

Nature of Business

     49   

6.6.

 

Prepayments and Amendments

     49   

6.7.

 

Restricted Payments

     50   

6.8.

 

Accounting Methods

     50   

6.9.

 

Investments

     50   

6.10.

 

Transactions with Affiliates

     50   

6.11.

 

Use of Proceeds

     51   

6.12.

 

Limitation on Issuance of Equity Interests

     51   

6.13.

 

Inventory at Bailees

     51   

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

         Page  

6.14.

 

Financing Order; Administrative Expense Priority; Payments

     52   

6.15.

 

Variance Test

     52   
7. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]      54   
8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT      54   

8.1.

 

Payments

     54   

8.2.

 

Covenants

     54   

8.3.

 

Judgments

     55   

8.4.

 

Existing Loan Documents

     55   

8.5.

 

Intentionally Omitted

     55   

8.6.

 

Default Under Other Agreements

     55   

8.7.

 

Representations, etc.

     55   

8.8.

 

Guaranty

     55   

8.9.

 

Security Documents

     55   

8.10.

 

Loan Documents

     56   

8.11.

 

Change in Control

     56   

8.12.

 

Bankruptcy Matters

     56   
9. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES      58   

9.1.

 

Rights and Remedies

     58   

9.2.

 

Remedies Cumulative

     59   
10. WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION      59   

10.1.

 

Demand; Protest; etc.

     59   

10.2.

 

The Lender Group’s Liability for Collateral

     60   

10.3.

 

Indemnification

     60   
11. NOTICES      61   
12. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER; JUDICIAL REFERENCE PROVISION      62   
13. ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS; SUCCESSORS      64   

13.1.

 

Assignments and Participations

     64   

13.2.

 

Successors

     68   

 

-iv-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
14. AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS      68   

14.1.

 

Amendments and Waivers

     68   

14.2.

 

Replacement of Certain Lenders

     71   

14.3.

 

No Waivers; Cumulative Remedies

     72   
15. AGENT; THE LENDER GROUP      72   

15.1.

 

Appointment and Authorization of Agent

     72   

15.2.

 

Delegation of Duties

     73   

15.3.

 

Liability of Agent

     73   

15.4.

 

Reliance by Agents

     74   

15.5.

 

Notice of Default or Event of Default

     74   

15.6.

 

Credit Decision

     75   

15.7.

 

Costs and Expenses; Indemnification

     75   

15.8.

 

Agent in Individual Capacity

     76   

15.9.

 

Successor Agent

     77   

15.10.

 

Lender in Individual Capacity

     77   

15.11.

 

Collateral Matters

     78   

15.12.

 

Restrictions on Actions by Lenders; Sharing of Payments

     79   

15.13.

 

Agency for Perfection

     80   

15.14.

 

Payments by Agent to the Lenders

     80   

15.15.

 

Concerning the Collateral and Related Loan Documents

     80   

15.16.

 

Field Examination Reports; Confidentiality; Disclaimers by Lenders; Other Reports and Information

     81   

15.17.

 

Several Obligations; No Liability

     82   

15.18.

 

Co-Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent and Joint Book Runners

     82   
16. WITHHOLDING TAXES      82   

16.1.

 

Payments

     82   

16.2.

 

Exemptions

     83   

16.3.

 

Reductions

     84   

16.4.

 

Refunds

     85   

16.5.

 

Tax Indemnity

     85   

 

-v-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
17. GENERAL PROVISIONS      86   

17.1.

 

Effectiveness

     86   

17.2.

 

Section Headings

     86   

17.3.

 

Interpretation

     86   

17.4.

 

Severability of Provisions

     86   

17.5.

 

Bank Product Providers

     86   

17.6.

 

Debtor-Creditor Relationship

     87   

17.7.

 

Counterparts; Electronic Execution

     87   

17.8.

 

Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations; Certain Waivers

     87   

17.9.

 

Confidentiality.

     88   

17.10.

 

Survival

     89   

17.11.

 

Patriot Act

     89   

17.12.

 

Integration

     90   

17.13.

 

Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement

     90   

17.14.

 

Parent as Agent for Borrowers

     90   

17.15.

 

Senior Debt

     91   

 

-vi-


EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

 

Exhibit A-1    Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit A-2    Reserved
Exhibit B-1    Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
Exhibit B-2    Form of Bank Product Letter Agreement
Exhibit C-1    Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit L-1    Form of LIBOR Notice
Exhibit F-1    Form of Interim Order
Schedule A-1    Agent’s Account
Schedule A-2    Authorized Persons
Schedule C-1    Commitments
Schedule D-1    Designated Account
Schedule E-1    Eligible Inventory Locations
Schedule E-2    Existing Loan Documents
Schedule P-1    Permitted Investments
Schedule P-2    Permitted Liens
Schedule R-1    Real Property Collateral
Schedule 2.11    Existing Letters of Credit
Schedule 3.1    Conditions Precedent
Schedule 4.1(b)    Capitalization of Parent
Schedule 4.1(c)    Capitalization of Parent’s Subsidiaries
Schedule 4.6    Litigation
Schedule 4.11    Environmental Matters
Schedule 4.14    Permitted Indebtedness
Schedule 4.24    Location of Inventory
Schedule 5.1    Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates
Schedule 5.2    Collateral Reporting
Schedule 5.16    Milestones
Schedule 6.4    Permitted Dispositions
Schedule 6.5    Nature of Business

 

-vii-


DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is entered into as of January 31, 2013, by and among the lenders identified on the signature pages hereof (each of such lenders, together with its successors and permitted assigns, is referred to hereinafter as a “Lender”, as that term is hereinafter further defined), WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, “Agent”), WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and GE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC., a Delaware corporation, as co-lead arrangers (in such capacities, together with their successors and assigns in such capacities, the “Co-Lead Arrangers”), WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and GE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC., a Delaware corporation, as joint book runners (in such capacities, together with their successors and assigns in such capacities, the “Joint Book Runners”), GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, as syndication agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “Syndication Agent”), WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, in their respective capacities as co-collateral agents for the Lenders (in such capacities, together with their successors and assigns in such capacities, “Co-Collateral Agents”), SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC., a Wisconsin corporation (“Parent”), CLASSROOMDIRECT.COM, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ClassroomDirect”), SPORTIME, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sportime”), DELTA EDUCATION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Delta Education”), PREMIER AGENDAS, INC., a Washington corporation (“Premier Agendas”), CHILDCRAFT EDUCATION CORP., a New York corporation (“Childcraft”), BIRD-IN-HAND WOODWORKS, INC., a New Jersey corporation (“Bird-In-Hand”), and CALIFONE INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Califone”; Parent, ClassroomDirect, Sportime, Delta Education, Premier Agendas, Childcraft, Bird-In-Hand and Califone are collectively “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”).

WHEREAS, on January 28, 2013 (the “Filing Date”), Borrowers and Guarantors (other than Select Agendas, Corp.) filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (as hereinafter defined) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”);

WHEREAS, Borrowers are continuing to operate their businesses and manage their properties as debtors-in-possession under Sections 1107 and 1108 of the Bankruptcy Code;

WHEREAS, Borrowers have requested that Lenders provide a secured revolving credit facility to Borrowers in order to (i) fund the continued operation of Borrowers’ businesses as debtor and debtor-in-possession under the Bankruptcy Code and (ii) repay in full the Existing Secured Obligations (as hereinafter defined); and

 

-1-


WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing to make available to Borrowers such postpetition loans, other extensions of credit and financial accommodations upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.

The parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION.

1.1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings specified therefor on Schedule 1.1.

1.2. Accounting Terms. All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP; provided, that if Administrative Borrower notifies Agent that Borrowers request an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any Accounting Change occurring after the Closing Date or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if Agent notifies Administrative Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such Accounting Change or in the application thereof, then Agent and Borrowers agree that they will negotiate in good faith amendments to the provisions of this Agreement that are directly affected by such Accounting Change with the intent of having the respective positions of the Lenders and Borrowers after such Accounting Change conform as nearly as possible to their respective positions prior to such Accounting Change and, until any such amendments have been agreed upon and agreed to by the Required Lenders, the provisions in this Agreement shall be calculated as if no such Accounting Change had occurred. When used herein, the term “financial statements” shall include the notes and schedules thereto. Whenever the term “Parent” is used in respect of a financial covenant or a related definition, it shall be understood to mean Parent and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (a) all financial statements delivered hereunder shall be prepared, and all financial covenants contained herein shall be calculated, without giving effect to any election under the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 (or any similar accounting principle) permitting a Person to value its financial liabilities or Indebtedness at the fair value thereof, and (b) the term “unqualified opinion” as used herein to refer to opinions or reports provided by accountants shall mean an opinion or report that is (i) unqualified, and (ii) does not include any explanation, supplemental comment, or other comment concerning the ability of the applicable Person to continue as a going concern or concerning the scope of the audit.

1.3. Code. Any terms used in this Agreement that are defined in the Code shall be construed and defined as set forth in the Code unless otherwise defined herein; provided, that to the extent that the Code is used to define any term herein and such term is defined differently in different Articles of the Code, the definition of such term contained in Article 9 of the Code shall govern.

1.4. Construction. Unless the context of this Agreement or any other Loan Document clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular, references to the singular include the plural, the terms “includes” and “including” are not limiting, and the term “or” has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase

 

-2-


“and/or.” The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder,” and similar terms in this Agreement or any other Loan

Document refer to this Agreement or such other Loan Document, as the case may be, as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such other Loan Document, as the case may be. Section, subsection, clause, schedule, and exhibit references herein are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. Any reference in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document to any agreement, instrument, or document shall include all alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements, thereto and thereof, as applicable (subject to any restrictions on such alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, joinders, and supplements set forth herein). 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. Any reference herein or in any other Loan Document to the satisfaction, repayment, or payment in full of the Obligations shall mean (a) the payment or repayment in full in immediately available funds of (i) the principal amount of, and interest accrued and unpaid with respect to, all outstanding Loans, together with the payment of any premium applicable to the repayment of the Loans, (ii) all Lender Group Expenses that have accrued and are unpaid regardless of whether demand has been made therefor, (iii) all fees or charges that have accrued hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including the Letter of Credit Fee and the Unused Line Fee) and are unpaid, (b) in the case of contingent reimbursement obligations with respect to Letters of Credit, providing Letter of Credit Collateralization, (c) in the case of obligations with respect to Bank Products (other than Hedge Obligations), providing Bank Product Collateralization, (d) the receipt by Agent of cash collateral in order to secure any other contingent Obligations for which a claim or demand for payment has been made on or prior to such time or in respect of matters or circumstances known to Agent or a Lender at such time that are reasonably expected to result in any loss, cost, damage, or expense (including attorneys’ fees and legal expenses), such cash collateral to be in such amount as Agent reasonably determines is appropriate to secure such contingent Obligations, (e) the payment or repayment in full in immediately available funds of all other outstanding Obligations (including the payment of any termination amount then applicable (or which would or could become applicable as a result of the repayment of the other Obligations) under Hedge Agreements provided by Hedge Providers) other than (i) unasserted contingent indemnification Obligations, (ii) any Bank Product Obligations (other than Hedge Obligations) that, at such time, are allowed by the applicable Bank Product Provider to remain outstanding without being required to be repaid or cash collateralized, and (iii) any Hedge Obligations that, at such time, are allowed by the applicable Hedge Provider to remain outstanding without being required to be repaid, and (f) the termination of all of the Commitments of the Lenders. Any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns. Any requirement of a writing contained herein or in any other Loan Document shall be satisfied by the transmission of a Record.

1.5. Time References. Unless the context of this Agreement or any other Loan Document clearly requires otherwise, all references to time of day refer to Central standard time or Central daylight saving time, as in effect in Chicago, Illinois on such day. For purposes of the computation of a period of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to and including”; provided that, with respect to a computation of fees or interest payable to Agent or any Lender, such period shall in any event consist of at least one full day.

 

-3-


1.6. Schedules and Exhibits. All of the schedules and exhibits attached to this Agreement shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference.

2. LOANS AND TERMS OF PAYMENT.

2.1. Revolving Loans.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and during the term of this Agreement, each Revolving Lender agrees (severally, not jointly or jointly and severally) to make revolving loans (“Revolving Loans”) to Borrowers in an amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the lesser of:

(i) such Lender’s Revolver Commitment, and

(ii) such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of an amount equal to the lesser of:

(A) the amount equal to (1) the Maximum Revolver Amount less the Availability Reserve less (2) the sum of (y) the Letter of Credit Usage at such time, plus (z) the principal amount of Swing Loans outstanding at such time less (3) the amount of any Reinstated Existing Secured Obligations less (4) the Existing Secured Obligations then outstanding, and

(B) the amount equal to

(1) the Borrowing Base as of such date (based upon the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered by Administrative Borrower to Co-Collateral Agents) less

(2) the sum of (x) the Letter of Credit Usage at such time, plus (y) the principal amount of Swing Loans outstanding at such time less

(3) the amount of any Reinstated Existing Secured Obligations less

(4) the amount of any Existing Secured Obligations then outstanding.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) the aggregate Revolving Loans made during any week shall not exceed (i) for the first two weeks following the Filing Date, 115% of the aggregate uses of cash set forth for such week in the Budget, and (ii) for each full week thereafter, 110% of the aggregate uses of cash set forth for such week in the Budget, (y) the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Loans at any time outstanding during any week shall not exceed the projected outstanding Revolving Loans set forth in the Budget for such week and (z) the Revolving Loans shall be used by Borrowers solely as set forth in Section 6.11.

(b) Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1 may be repaid and, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, reborrowed at any time during the term of this Agreement. The outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans, together with interest accrued and unpaid thereon, shall constitute Obligations and shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date, the Required Prepayment Date or, if earlier, on the date on which they are declared due and payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

-4-


(c) Anything to the contrary in this Section 2.1 notwithstanding, Co-Collateral Agents shall have the right (but not the obligation), in the exercise of their Permitted Discretion, to establish and increase or decrease or eliminate Receivable Reserves, Inventory Reserves, Bank Product Reserves, Reserves to address the results of any audit or appraisal performed by or on behalf of Co-Collateral Agents from time to time after the Closing Date, Reserves with respect to the Carveout, Reserves with respect to other potential costs and expenses pertaining to the Bankruptcy Cases, Reserves with respect to Other Statutory Liabilities and other Reserves against the Borrowing Base (or any component thereof) or the Maximum Revolver Amount. The amount of any such Reserve established by Co-Collateral Agents shall have a reasonable relationship to the event, condition, other circumstance, or fact that is the basis for such reserve and shall not be duplicative of any other reserve established and currently maintained.

2.2. Intentionally Omitted.

2.3. Borrowing Procedures and Settlements.

(a) Procedure for Borrowing Revolving Loans. Each Borrowing shall be made by a written request by an Authorized Person delivered to Agent and received by Agent no later than 10:30 a.m. (i) on the Business Day that is the requested Funding Date in the case of a request for a Swing Loan, and (ii) on the Business Day that is 1 Business Day prior to the requested Funding Date in the case of all other requests, specifying (A) the amount of such Borrowing, and (B) the requested Funding Date (which shall be a Business Day); provided, that Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to accept as timely requests that are received later than 10:30 a.m. on the applicable Business Day. At Agent’s election, in lieu of delivering the above-described written request, any Authorized Person may give Agent telephonic notice of such request by the required time. In such circumstances, Borrowers agree that any such telephonic notice will be confirmed in writing within 24 hours of the giving of such telephonic notice, but the failure to provide such written confirmation shall not affect the validity of the request.

(b) Making of Swing Loans. In the case of a request for a Swing Loan and so long as the aggregate amount of Swing Loans made since the last Settlement Date, minus all payments or other amounts applied to Swing Loans since the last Settlement Date, plus the amount of the requested Swing Loan does not exceed $20,000,000, and Swing Lender, in its sole discretion, agrees to make a Swing Loan, Swing Lender shall make a Revolving Loan (any such Revolving Loan made by Swing Lender pursuant to this Section 2.3(b) being referred to as a “Swing Loan” and all such Revolving Loans being referred to as “Swing Loans”) available to Borrowers on the Funding Date applicable thereto by transferring immediately available funds in the amount of such requested Borrowing to the Designated Account. Each Swing Loan shall be deemed to be a Revolving Loan hereunder and shall be subject to all the terms and conditions (including Section 3) applicable to other Revolving Loans, except that all payments (including interest) on any Swing Loan shall be payable to Swing Lender solely for its own account. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3(d)(ii), Swing Lender shall not make and shall not be obligated to make any Swing Loan if Swing Lender has actual knowledge that (i) one or more of

 

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the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 3 (including, without limitation, the conditions precedent set forth in the final paragraph of Section 3.2 hereof) will not be satisfied on the requested Funding Date for the applicable Borrowing, or (ii) the requested Borrowing would exceed the Availability on such Funding Date. Swing Lender shall not otherwise be required to determine whether the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 3 have been satisfied on the Funding Date applicable thereto prior to making any Swing Loan. The Swing Loans shall be secured by Agent’s Liens, constitute Revolving Loans and Obligations, and bear interest at the rate applicable from time to time to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans.

(c) Making of Revolving Loans.

(i) In the event that Swing Lender is not obligated to make a Swing Loan, then after receipt of a request for a Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3(a), Agent shall notify the Lenders by telecopy, telephone, email, or other electronic form of transmission, of the requested Borrowing; such notification to be sent on the Business Day that is 1 Business Day prior to the requested Funding Date. If Agent has notified the Lenders of a requested Borrowing on the Business Day that is 1 Business Day prior to the Funding Date, then each Lender shall make the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the requested Borrowing available to Agent in immediately available funds, to Agent’s Account, not later than 10:00 a.m. on the Business Day that is the requested Funding Date. After Agent’s receipt of the proceeds of such Revolving Loans from the Lenders, Agent shall make the proceeds thereof available to Borrowers on the applicable Funding Date by transferring immediately available funds equal to such proceeds received by Agent to the Designated Account; provided, that, subject to the provisions of Section 2.3(d)(ii), no Lender shall have an obligation to make any Revolving Loan, if (1) one or more of the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 3 (including, without limitation, the conditions precedent set forth in the final paragraph of Section 3.2 hereof) will not be satisfied on the requested Funding Date for the applicable Borrowing unless such condition has been waived, or (2) the requested Borrowing would exceed the Availability on such Funding Date.

(ii) Unless Agent receives notice from a Lender prior to 9:30 a.m. on the Business Day that is the requested Funding Date relative to a requested Borrowing as to which Agent has notified the Lenders of a requested Borrowing that such Lender will not make available as and when required hereunder to Agent for the account of Borrowers the amount of that Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Borrowing, Agent may assume that each Lender has made or will make such amount available to Agent in immediately available funds on the Funding Date and Agent may (but shall not be so required), in reliance upon such assumption, make available to Borrowers a corresponding amount. If, on the requested Funding Date, any Lender shall not have remitted the full amount that it is required to make available to Agent in immediately available funds and if Agent has made available to Borrowers such amount on the requested Funding Date, then such Lender shall make the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the requested Borrowing available to Agent in immediately available funds, to Agent’s Account, no later than 10:00 a.m. on the Business Day that is the first Business Day after the requested Funding Date (in which case, the interest accrued on such Lender’s portion of such Borrowing for the Funding Date shall be for Agent’s separate account). If any Lender shall not remit the full amount that it is required to make available to Agent in immediately available funds as and when required hereby and if Agent has made available to Borrowers such amount, then that Lender

 

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shall be obligated to immediately remit such amount to Agent, together with interest at the Defaulting Lender Rate for each day until the date on which such amount is so remitted. A notice submitted by Agent to any Lender with respect to amounts owing under this Section 2.3(c)(ii) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error. If the amount that a Lender is required to remit is made available to Agent, then such payment to Agent shall constitute such Lender’s Revolving Loan for all purposes of this Agreement. If such amount is not made available to Agent on the Business Day following the Funding Date, Agent will notify Administrative Borrower of such failure to fund and, upon demand by Agent, Borrowers shall pay such amount to Agent, together with interest thereon for each day elapsed since the date of such Borrowing, for Agent’s Account, at a rate per annum equal to the interest rate applicable at the time to the Revolving Loans composing such Borrowing.

(d) Protective Advances and Optional Overadvances.

(i) Any contrary provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document notwithstanding, but subject to Section 2.3(d)(iii), at any time (A) after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, or (B) that any of the other applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 3 are not satisfied, Agent hereby is authorized by Borrowers and the Lenders, from time to time (until such time as either Co-Collateral Agent shall revoke such authority), in Agent’s sole discretion, to make Revolving Loans to, or for the benefit of, Borrowers, on behalf of the Revolving Lenders, that Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, deems necessary or desirable (1) to preserve or protect the Collateral, or any portion thereof, (2) to enhance the likelihood of repayment of the Obligations (other than the Bank Product Obligations) (the Revolving Loans described in this Section 2.3(d)(i) shall be referred to as “Protective Advances”), or (3) to pay any other amount chargeable to Borrowers pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including Lender Group Expenses and the costs, fees and expenses described in Section 9. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless Required Lenders otherwise consent, the aggregate amount of all Protective Advances outstanding at any one time shall not exceed $20,000,000.

(A) Any contrary provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document notwithstanding, but subject to Section 2.3(d)(iii), the Lenders hereby authorize Agent or Swing Lender, as applicable, and either Agent or Swing Lender, as applicable, may, but is not obligated to (until such time as either Co-Collateral Agent shall revoke such authority), knowingly and intentionally, continue to make Revolving Loans (including Swing Loans) to Borrowers notwithstanding that an Overadvance exists or would be created thereby, so long as (A) after giving effect to such Revolving Loans, the outstanding Revolver Usage does not, unless Required Lenders otherwise consent, exceed the Borrowing Base by more than $20,000,000, and (B) after giving effect to such Revolving Loans, the outstanding Revolver Usage (except for and excluding amounts charged to the Loan Account for interest, fees, or Lender Group Expenses) does not exceed the Maximum Revolver Amount. In the event Agent obtains actual knowledge that the Revolver Usage exceeds the amounts permitted by the immediately foregoing provisions, regardless of the amount of, or reason for, such excess, Agent shall notify the Lenders as soon as practicable (and prior to making any (or any additional) intentional Overadvances (except for and excluding amounts charged to the Loan Account for interest, fees, or Lender Group Expenses) unless Agent determines that prior notice would result in imminent harm to the Collateral or its value, in which case Agent may make such Overadvances and

 

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provide notice as promptly as practicable thereafter), and the Lenders with Revolver Commitments thereupon shall, together with Agent and Co-Collateral Agents, jointly determine the terms of arrangements that shall be implemented with Borrowers intended to reduce, within a reasonable time, the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans to Borrowers to an amount permitted by the preceding sentence. In such circumstances, if any Lender with a Revolver Commitment objects to the proposed terms of reduction or repayment of any Overadvance, the terms of reduction or repayment thereof shall be implemented according to the determination of the Required Lenders. The foregoing provisions are meant for the benefit of the Lenders, Co-Collateral Agents and Agent and are not meant for the benefit of Borrowers, which shall continue to be bound by the provisions of Section 2.4(e)(1). Each Lender with a Revolver Commitment shall be obligated to make Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.3(c) in, or settle Overadvances made by Agent with Agent as provided in Section 2.3(e) (or Section 2.3(g), as applicable) for, the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of any unintentional Overadvances by Agent reported to such Lender, any intentional Overadvances made as permitted under this Section 2.3(d)(ii), and any Overadvances resulting from the charging to the Loan Account of interest, fees, or Lender Group Expenses.

(ii) Each Protective Advance and each Overadvance (each, an “Extraordinary Advance”) shall be deemed to be a Revolving Loan hereunder, except that no Extraordinary Advance shall be eligible to be a LIBOR Rate Loan and, prior to Settlement therefor, all payments on the Extraordinary Advances, including interest thereon, shall be payable to Agent solely for its own account. The Extraordinary Advances shall be repayable on demand, secured by Agent’s Liens, constitute Obligations hereunder, and bear interest at the rate applicable from time to time to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans. The provisions of this Section 2.3(d) are for the exclusive benefit of Agent, Co-Collateral Agents, Swing Lender, and the Lenders and are not intended to benefit Borrowers (or any other Loan Party) in any way.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary: (A) unless Required Lenders otherwise consent no Extraordinary Advance may be made by Agent if such Extraordinary Advance would cause the aggregate principal amount of Extraordinary Advances outstanding to exceed an amount equal to 10% of the Maximum Revolver Amount; (B) no Protective Advance shall be permitted that causes the aggregate Revolver Usage to exceed the Maximum Revolver Amount; (C) no Lender shall be required to make any Revolving Loan (including reimbursement to Agent of any Extraordinary Advances) in excess of the amount of its Revolver Commitment; and (D) no Extraordinary Advance shall be made that causes the aggregate ABL Debt (as defined in the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement) to exceed the ABL Cap (as defined in the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement), without the written consent of each Lender.

(e) Settlement. It is agreed that each Lender’s funded portion of the Revolving Loans is intended by the Lenders to equal, at all times, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the outstanding Revolving Loans. Such agreement notwithstanding, Agent, Swing Lender, and the other Lenders agree (which agreement shall not be for the benefit of Borrowers) that in order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, settlement among the Lenders as to the Revolving Loans (including the Swing Loans and the Extraordinary Advances) shall take place on a periodic basis in accordance with the following provisions:

 

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(i) Agent shall request settlement (“Settlement”) with the Lenders on a weekly basis, or on a more frequent basis if so determined by Agent in its sole discretion (1) on behalf of Swing Lender, with respect to the outstanding Swing Loans, (2) for itself, with respect to the outstanding Extraordinary Advances, and (3) with respect to Loan Parties’ payments or other amounts received, as to each by notifying the Lenders by telecopy, telephone, or other similar form of transmission, of such requested Settlement, no later than 2:00 p.m. on the Business Day immediately prior to the date of such requested Settlement (the date of such requested Settlement being the “Settlement Date”). Such notice of a Settlement Date shall include a summary statement of the amount of outstanding Swing Loans, Extraordinary Advances and other Revolving Loans for the period since the prior Settlement Date. Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein (including Section 2.3(g)): (y) if the amount of the Revolving Loans (including Swing Loans, and Extraordinary Advances) made by a Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender exceeds such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans (including Swing Loans, and Extraordinary Advances) as of a Settlement Date, then Agent shall, by no later than 12:00 p.m. on the Settlement Date, transfer in immediately available funds to a Deposit Account of such Lender (as such Lender may designate), an amount such that each such Lender shall, upon receipt of such amount, have as of the Settlement Date, its Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans (including Swing Loans, and Extraordinary Advances), and (z) if the amount of the Revolving Loans (including Swing Loans, and Extraordinary Advances) made by a Lender is less than such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans (including Swing Loans, and Extraordinary Advances) as of a Settlement Date, such Lender shall no later than 12:00 p.m. on the Settlement Date transfer in immediately available funds to Agent’s Account, an amount such that each such Lender shall, upon transfer of such amount, have as of the Settlement Date, its Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans (including Swing Loans and Extraordinary Advances). Such amounts made available to Agent under clause (z) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be applied against the amounts of the applicable Swing Loans or Extraordinary Advances, shall constitute Revolving Loans of such Lenders. If any such amount is not made available to Agent by any Lender on the Settlement Date applicable thereto to the extent required by the terms hereof, Agent shall be entitled to recover for its account such amount on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon at the Defaulting Lender Rate.

(ii) In determining whether a Lender’s balance of the Revolving Loans (including Swing Loans and Extraordinary Advances) is less than, equal to, or greater than such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans as of a Settlement Date, Agent shall, as part of the relevant Settlement, apply to such balance the portion of payments actually received in good funds by Agent with respect to principal, interest, fees payable by Borrowers and allocable to the Lenders hereunder, and proceeds of Collateral.

(iii) Between Settlement Dates, Agent, to the extent Extraordinary Advances for the account of Agent or Swing Loans for the account of Swing Lender are outstanding, may pay over to Agent or Swing Lender, as applicable, any payments or other amounts received by Agent, that in accordance with the terms of this Agreement would be applied to the reduction of the Revolving Loans, for application to the Extraordinary Advances or Swing Loans. Between Settlement Dates, Agent, to the extent no Extraordinary Advances or Swing Loans are outstanding, may pay over to Swing Lender any payments or other amounts received by Agent, that in accordance with the terms of this Agreement would be applied to the

 

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reduction of the Revolving Loans, for application to Swing Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans. If, as of any Settlement Date, payments or other amounts of Loan Parties received since the then immediately preceding Settlement Date have been applied to Swing Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans other than to Swing Loans, as provided for in the previous sentence, Swing Lender shall pay to Agent for the accounts of the Lenders, and Agent shall pay to the Lenders (other than a Defaulting Lender if Agent has implemented the provisions of Section 2.3(g)), to be applied to the outstanding Revolving Loans of such Lenders, an amount such that each such Lender shall, upon receipt of such amount, have, as of such Settlement Date, its Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans. During the period between Settlement Dates, Swing Lender with respect to Swing Loans, Agent with respect to Extraordinary Advances, and each Lender with respect to the Revolving Loans other than Swing Loans and Extraordinary Advances, shall be entitled to interest at the applicable rate or rates payable under this Agreement on the daily amount of funds employed by Swing Lender, Agent, or the Lenders, as applicable.

(iv) Anything in this Section 2.3(e) to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender, Agent shall be entitled to refrain from remitting settlement amounts to the Defaulting Lender and, instead, shall be entitled to elect to implement the provisions set forth in Section 2.3(g).

(f) Notation. Agent, as a non-fiduciary agent for Borrowers, shall maintain a register showing the principal amount of the Revolving Loans, owing to each Lender, including the Swing Loans owing to Swing Lender, and Extraordinary Advances owing to Agent, and the interests therein of each Lender, from time to time and such register shall, absent manifest error, conclusively be presumed to be correct and accurate.

(g) Defaulting Lenders.

(i) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.4(b)(ii), Agent shall not be obligated to transfer to a Defaulting Lender any payments made by Borrowers to Agent for the Defaulting Lender’s benefit or any proceeds of Collateral that would otherwise be remitted hereunder to the Defaulting Lender, and, in the absence of such transfer to the Defaulting Lender, Agent shall transfer any such payments (A) first, to Agent to the extent of any Extraordinary Advances that were made by Agent and that were required to be, but were not, paid by Defaulting Lender, (B) second, to Swing Lender to the extent of any Swing Loans that were made by Swing Lender and that were required to be, but were not, paid by the Defaulting Lender, (C) third, to Issuing Lender, to the extent of the portion of a Letter of Credit Disbursement that was required to be, but was not, paid by the Defaulting Lender, (D) fourth, to each Non-Defaulting Lender ratably in accordance with their Commitments (but, in each case, only to the extent that such Defaulting Lender’s portion of a Revolving Loan (or other funding obligation) was funded by such other Non-Defaulting Lender), (E) fifth, in Agent’s sole discretion, to a suspense account maintained by Agent, the proceeds of which may be retained by Agent and may be made available to be re-advanced to or for the benefit of Borrowers (upon the request of Administrative Borrower and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 3.2) as if such Defaulting Lender had made its portion of Revolving Loans (or other funding obligations) hereunder, and (F) sixth, from and after the date on which all other Obligations have been paid in full, to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with tier (L) of Section 2.4(b)(ii). Subject to the

 

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foregoing, Agent may hold and, in its discretion, prior to the occurrence and continuance of an Application Event, re-lend to Borrowers for the account of such Defaulting Lender the amount of all such payments received and retained by Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender. Solely for the purposes of voting or consenting to matters with respect to the Loan Documents (including the calculation of Pro Rata Share in connection therewith) and for the purpose of calculating the fee payable under Section 2.10(b), such Defaulting Lender shall be deemed not to be a “Lender” and such Lender’s Commitment shall be deemed to be zero; provided, that the foregoing shall not apply to any of the matters governed by Section 14.1(a)(i) through (iii). The provisions of this Section 2.3(g) shall remain effective with respect to such Defaulting Lender until the earlier of (y) the date on which all of the Non-Defaulting Lenders, Agent, Issuing Lender, and Borrowers shall have waived, in writing, the application of this Section 2.3(g) to such Defaulting Lender, or (z) the date on which such Defaulting Lender makes payment of all amounts that it was obligated to fund hereunder, pays to Agent all amounts owing by Defaulting Lender in respect of the amounts that it was obligated to fund hereunder, and, if requested by Agent, provides adequate assurance of its ability to perform its future obligations hereunder (on which earlier date, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any remaining cash collateral held by Agent pursuant to Section 2.3(g)(ii) shall be released to Borrowers). The operation of this Section 2.3(g) shall not be construed to increase or otherwise affect the Commitment of any Lender, to relieve or excuse the performance by such Defaulting Lender or any other Lender of its duties and obligations hereunder, or to relieve or excuse the performance by Borrowers of their duties and obligations hereunder to Agent, Issuing Lender, or to the Lenders other than such Defaulting Lender. Any failure by a Defaulting Lender to fund amounts that it was obligated to fund hereunder shall constitute a material breach by such Defaulting Lender of this Agreement and shall entitle Borrowers, at their option, upon written notice to Agent, to arrange for a substitute Lender to assume the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender, such substitute Lender to be reasonably acceptable to Agent. In connection with the arrangement of such a substitute Lender, the Defaulting Lender shall have no right to refuse to be replaced hereunder, and agrees to execute and deliver a completed form of Assignment and Acceptance in favor of the substitute Lender (and agrees that it shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such document if it fails to do so) subject only to being paid its share of the outstanding Obligations (other than Bank Product Obligations, but including (1) all interest, fees, and other amounts that may be due and payable in respect thereof, and (2) an assumption of its Pro Rata Share of its participation in the Letters of Credit); provided, that any such assumption of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any of the Lender Groups’ or Borrowers’ rights or remedies against any such Defaulting Lender arising out of or in relation to such failure to fund. In the event of a direct conflict between the priority provisions of this Section 2.3(g) and any other provision contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such provisions be read together and construed, to the fullest extent possible, to be in concert with each other. In the event of any actual, irreconcilable conflict that cannot be resolved as aforesaid, the terms and provisions of this Section 2.3(g) shall control and govern.

 

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(ii) If any Swing Loan or Letter of Credit is outstanding at the time that a Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:

(A) such Defaulting Lender’s Swing Loan Exposure and Letter of Credit Exposure shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares but only to the extent (x) the sum of all Non-Defaulting Lenders’ Revolving Loan Exposures plus such Defaulting Lender’s Swing Loan Exposure and Letter of Credit Exposure does not exceed the total of all Non-Defaulting Lenders’ Revolver Commitments, (y) the sum of each Non-Defaulting Lenders’ Revolving Loan Exposures plus its Pro Rata Share of such Defaulting Lender’s Swing Loan Exposure and Letter of Credit Exposure does not exceed such Non-Defaulting Lenders’ Revolver Commitments, and (z) the conditions set forth in Section 3.2 are satisfied at such time;

(B) if the reallocation described in clause (A) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, Borrowers shall within one Business Day following notice by the Agent (x) first, prepay such Defaulting Lender’s Swing Loan Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (A) above) and (y) second, cash collateralize such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (A) above), pursuant to a cash collateral agreement to be entered into in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, for so long as such Letter of Credit Exposure is outstanding; provided, that Borrowers shall not be obligated to cash collateralize any Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Exposure if such Defaulting Lender is also the Issuing Lender;

(C) if Borrowers cash collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Exposure pursuant to this Section 2.3(g)(ii), Borrowers shall not be required to pay any Letter of Credit Fees to Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.6(b) with respect to such cash collateralized portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Exposure during the period such Letter of Credit Exposure is cash collateralized;

(D) to the extent the Letter of Credit Exposure of the Non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to this Section 2.3(g)(ii), then the Letter of Credit Fees payable to the Non-Defaulting Lenders pursuant to Section 2.6(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such Non-Defaulting Lenders’ Letter of Credit Exposure;

(E) to the extent any Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Exposure is neither cash collateralized nor reallocated pursuant to this Section 2.3(g)(ii), then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the Issuing Lender or any Lender hereunder, all Letter of Credit Fees that would have otherwise been payable to such Defaulting Lender under Section 2.6(b) with respect to such portion of such Letter of Credit Exposure shall instead be payable to the Issuing Lender until such portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Exposure is cash collateralized or reallocated;

(F) so long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Swing Lender shall not be required to make any Swing Loan and the Issuing Lender shall not be required to issue, amend, or increase any Letter of Credit, in each case, to the extent (x) the Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such Swing Loans or Letter of Credit cannot be reallocated pursuant to this Section 2.3(g)(ii) or (y) the Swing Lender or Issuing Lender, as applicable, has not otherwise entered into arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Swing Lender or Issuing Lender, as applicable, and Borrowers to eliminate the Swing Lender’s or Issuing Lender’s risk with respect to the Defaulting Lender’s participation in Swing Loans or Letters of Credit; and

 

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(G) Agent may release any cash collateral provided by Borrowers pursuant to this Section 2.3(g)(ii) to the Issuing Lender and the Issuing Lender may apply any such cash collateral to the payment of such Defaulting Lender’s Pro Rata Share of any Letter of Credit Disbursement that is not reimbursed by Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.11(a).

(h) Independent Obligations. All Revolving Loans (other than Swing Loans, Protective Advances and, at Agent’s election, Overadvances) shall be made by the Lenders contemporaneously and in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares. It is understood that (i) no Lender shall be responsible for any failure by any other Lender to perform its obligation to make any Revolving Loan (or other extension of credit) hereunder, nor shall any Commitment of any Lender be increased or decreased as a result of any failure by any other Lender to perform its obligations hereunder, and (ii) no failure by any Lender to perform its obligations hereunder shall excuse any other Lender from its obligations hereunder.

2.4. Payments; Reductions of Commitments; Prepayments.

(a) Payments by Borrowers.

(i) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by Borrowers shall be made to Agent’s Account for the account of the Lender Group and shall be made in immediately available funds, no later than 1:30 p.m. on the date specified herein. Any payment received by Agent later than 1:30 p.m. shall be deemed to have been received (unless Agent, in its sole discretion, elects to credit it on the date received) on the following Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue until such following Business Day.

(ii) Unless Agent receives notice from Administrative Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders that Borrowers will not make such payment in full as and when required, Agent may assume that Borrowers have made (or will make) such payment in full to Agent on such date in immediately available funds and Agent may (but shall not be so required), in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent Borrowers do not make such payment in full to Agent on the date when due, each Lender severally shall repay to Agent on demand such amount distributed to such Lender, together with interest thereon at the Defaulting Lender Rate for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date repaid.

(b) Apportionment and Application.

(i) So long as no Application Event has occurred and is continuing and except as otherwise provided herein with respect to Defaulting Lenders, all principal and interest payments received by Agent shall be apportioned ratably among the Lenders (according to the unpaid principal balance of the Obligations to which such payments relate held by each Lender) and all payments of fees and expenses received by Agent (other than fees or expenses that are for Agent’s separate account or for the separate account of any Co-Collateral Agent or

 

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for the separate account of Issuing Lender) shall be apportioned ratably among the Lenders having a Pro Rata Share of the type of Commitment or Obligation to which a particular fee or expense relates. Subject to Section 2.4(b)(iv) and Section 2.4(e), all payments to be made hereunder by Borrowers shall be remitted to Agent and all such payments, and all proceeds of Collateral received by Agent, shall be applied, so long as no Application Event has occurred and is continuing and except as otherwise provided herein with respect to Defaulting Lenders, first, to reduce the balance of the Existing Secured Obligations in the manner set forth in the Existing Loan Agreement, second, to reduce the balance of the Revolving Loans outstanding and, third, to Borrowers (to be wired to the Designated Account) or such other Person entitled thereto under applicable law.

(ii) At any time that an Application Event has occurred and is continuing and except as otherwise provided herein with respect to Defaulting Lenders, all payments remitted to Agent and all proceeds of Collateral received by Agent shall be applied as follows:

(A) first, to reduce the balance of the Existing Secured Obligations in the manner set forth in the Existing Loan Agreement,

(B) second, to pay any Lender Group Expenses (including cost or expense reimbursements) or indemnities then due to Agent and Co-Collateral Agents under the Loan Documents, until paid in full,

(C) third, to pay any fees or premiums then due to Agent and Co-Collateral Agents under the Loan Documents until paid in full,

(D) fourth, to pay interest due in respect of all Protective Advances until paid in full,

(E) fifth, to pay the principal of all Protective Advances until paid in full,

(F) sixth, ratably, to pay any Lender Group Expenses (including cost or expense reimbursements) or indemnities then due to any of the Lenders under the Loan Documents, until paid in full,

(G) seventh, ratably, to pay any fees or premiums then due to any of the Lenders under the Loan Documents until paid in full,

(H) eighth, to pay interest accrued in respect of the Swing Loans until paid in full,

(I) ninth, to pay the principal of all Swing Loans until paid in full,

(J) tenth, ratably, to pay interest accrued in respect of the Revolving Loans until paid in full,

 

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(K) eleventh, ratably

i. to pay the principal of all Revolving Loans until paid in full,

ii. to Agent, to be held by Agent, for the benefit of Issuing Lender (and for the ratable benefit of each of the Lenders that have an obligation to pay to Agent, for the account of Issuing Lender, a share of each Letter of Credit Disbursement), as cash collateral in an amount up to 110% of the Letter of Credit Usage (to the extent permitted by applicable law, such cash collateral shall be applied to the reimbursement of any Letter of Credit Disbursement as and when such disbursement occurs and, if a Letter of Credit expires undrawn, the cash collateral held by Agent in respect of such Letter of Credit shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be reapplied pursuant to this Section 2.4(b)(ii), beginning with tier (A) hereof),

iii. ratably, up to the aggregate amount (after taking into account any amounts previously paid pursuant to this clause iii. during the continuation of the applicable Application Event) of the most recently established Bank Product Reserve, which amount was established prior to the occurrence of, and not in contemplation of, the subject Application Event, to Agent for the ratable benefit of the Bank Product Providers (such ratable benefit to be determined based on the ratio of the Bank Product Reserve established for each Bank Product of a Bank Product Provider to the aggregate Bank Product Reserve established for all Bank Products provided by all Bank Product Providers), to be either (I) disbursed by Agent to the Bank Product Providers based upon amounts then certified by the applicable Bank Product Provider to Agent (in form and substance satisfactory to Agent) to be due and payable to such Bank Product Providers on account of Bank Product Obligations or (II) held by Agent as cash collateral (which cash collateral may be released by Agent to the applicable Bank Product Provider and applied by such Bank Product Provider to the payment or reimbursement of any amounts due and payable with respect to Bank Product Obligations owed to the applicable Bank Product Provider as and when such amounts first become due and payable and, if and at such time as all such Bank Product Obligations are paid or otherwise satisfied in full, the cash collateral held by Agent in respect of such Bank Product Obligations shall be reapplied pursuant to this Section 2.4(b)(ii), beginning with tier (A) hereof,

(L) twelfth, ratably, to pay any other Obligations other than Obligations owed to Defaulting Lenders (including being paid, ratably, to the Bank Product Providers on account of all amounts then due and payable in respect of Bank Product Obligations, with any balance to be paid to Agent, to be held by Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Bank Product Providers, as cash collateral (which cash collateral may be released by Agent to the applicable Bank Product Provider and applied by such Bank Product Provider to the payment or reimbursement of any amounts due and payable with respect to Bank Product Obligations owed to the applicable Bank Product Provider as and when such amounts first become due and payable and, if and at such time as all such Bank Product Obligations are paid or otherwise satisfied in full, the cash collateral held by Agent in respect of such Bank Product Obligations shall be reapplied pursuant to this Section 2.4(b)(ii), beginning with tier (A) hereof),

 

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(M) thirteenth, ratably to pay any Obligations owed to Defaulting Lenders; and

(N) fourteenth, to Borrowers (to be wired to the Designated Account) or such other Person entitled thereto under applicable law.

(iii) Agent promptly shall distribute to each Lender, pursuant to the applicable wire instructions received from each Lender in writing, such funds as it may be entitled to receive, subject to a Settlement delay as provided in Section 2.3(e).

(iv) In each instance, so long as no Application Event has occurred and is continuing, Section 2.4(b)(i) shall not apply to any payment made by Borrowers to Agent and specified by Borrowers to be for the payment of specific Obligations then due and payable (or prepayable) under any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(v) For purposes of Section 2.4(b)(ii), “paid in full” of a type of Obligation means payment in cash or immediately available funds of all amounts owing on account of such type of Obligation, including interest accrued after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding, default interest, interest on interest, and expense reimbursements, irrespective of whether any of the foregoing would be or is allowed or disallowed in whole or in part in any Insolvency Proceeding.

(vi) In the event of a direct conflict between the priority provisions of this Section 2.4 and any other provision contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such provisions be read together and construed, to the fullest extent possible, to be in concert with each other. In the event of any actual, irreconcilable conflict that cannot be resolved as aforesaid, if the conflict relates to the provisions of Section 2.3(g) and this Section 2.4, then the provisions of Section 2.3(g) shall control and govern, and if otherwise, then the terms and provisions of this Section 2.4 shall control and govern.

(c) Reduction of Commitments. The Revolver Commitments shall terminate on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the Required Prepayment Date. With not less than 5 Business Days written notice to Agent, Borrowers may reduce the Revolver Commitments, without premium or penalty, to an amount not less than the sum of (A) the Revolver Usage as of such date, plus (B) the principal amount of all Revolving Loans not yet made as to which a request has been given by Borrowers under Section 2.3(a), plus (C) the amount of all Letters of Credit not yet issued as to which a request has been given by Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.11(a). Each such reduction shall be in an amount which is not less than $20,000,000 (unless the Revolver Commitments are being reduced to zero and the amount of the Revolver Commitments in effect immediately prior to such reduction are less than $20,000,000), shall be made by providing not less than 5 Business Days prior written notice to Agent, and shall be irrevocable. Once reduced, the Revolver Commitments may not be increased. Each such reduction of the Revolver Commitments shall reduce the Revolver Commitments of each Lender proportionately in accordance with its ratable share thereof.

 

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(d) Optional Prepayments. With not less than 5 Business Days written notice to Agent, Borrowers may prepay the principal of any Revolving Loan at any time in whole or in part but with any amounts due under Section 2.12(b)(ii).

(e) Mandatory Prepayments.

(i) Borrowing Base. If, at any time, (A) the Revolver Usage on such date exceeds (B) the Borrowing Base reflected in the Borrowing Base Certificate most recently delivered by Borrowers to Agent, then Borrowers shall immediately prepay the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.4(g) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount of such excess.

(ii) Dispositions. Upon receipt by any Loan Party of the Net Cash Proceeds of any voluntary or involuntary sale or disposition by such Loan Party of ABL Priority Collateral (or if the Indebtedness under the Split Lien Documents has been paid in full, in accordance with the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Collateral) (including casualty losses or condemnations but excluding sales or dispositions which qualify as Permitted Dispositions under clauses (b), (c), (d), or (f) of the definition of Permitted Dispositions), Borrowers shall prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.4(g) in an amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds (including condemnation awards and payments in lieu thereof) received by such Person in connection with such sales or dispositions. Nothing contained in this Section 2.4(e)(ii) shall permit Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to sell or otherwise dispose of any assets other than in accordance with Section 6.4.

(iii) Extraordinary Receipts. Upon receipt by any Loan Party of any Extraordinary Receipts constituting ABL Priority Collateral (or if the Indebtedness under the Split Lien Documents has been paid in full, in accordance with the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Collateral), Borrowers shall prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.4(g) in an amount equal to 100% of such Extraordinary Receipts, net of any reasonable expenses incurred in collecting such Extraordinary Receipts.

(iv) Indebtedness. Within 1 Business Day of the date of incurrence by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness), Borrowers shall prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.4(g) in an amount equal to 50% of the Net Cash Proceeds received by such Person in connection with such incurrence. The provisions of this Section 2.4(e)(iv) shall not be deemed to be implied consent to any such incurrence otherwise prohibited by the terms of this Agreement.

(v) Equity. Within 1 Business Day of the date of the issuance by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of any Equity Interests (other than the issuance of Equity Interest by a Subsidiary of Parent to a Loan Party), Borrowers shall prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.4(g) in an amount equal to 50% of the Net Cash Proceeds received by such Person in connection with such issuance. The provisions of this Section 2.4(e)(v) shall not be deemed to be implied consent to any such issuance otherwise prohibited by the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(vi) Business Interruption Insurance. Upon the receipt by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of any proceeds of business interruption insurance, Borrowers shall prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations in accordance with Section 2.4(g) in an amount equal to 50% of the proceeds received by such Person in connection with such of business interruption insurance.

(vii) Disgorgement. In the event that the Lenders are required to repay or disgorge to Borrowers or any representatives of the Borrowers’ estate (as agents, with derivative standing or otherwise) all or any portion of the Existing Secured Obligations authorized and directed to be repaid pursuant to the Financing Order, or any payment on account of the Existing Secured Obligations made to any Lender is rescinded for any reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to, as a result of any Avoidance Action, or any other action, suit, proceeding or claim brought under any other provision of any applicable Bankruptcy Code or any applicable state or provincial law, or any other similar provisions under any other state, federal or provincial statutory or common law (all such amounts being hereafter referred to as the “Avoided Payments”), then, in such event, Borrowers shall prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans in an amount equal to 100% of such Avoided Payments immediately upon receipt of the Avoided Payments by Borrowers or any representative of the Borrowers’ estate.

(viii) Financing Orders. To the extent authorized by the Financing Orders, Borrowers shall prepay 100% of the Existing Secured Obligations outstanding at such time.

(f) Letter of Credit Obligations. In the event any Letters of Credit are outstanding at the time that the Revolver Commitments are terminated or Letters of Credit are required to be cash collateralized at any time pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, Borrowers shall deposit with Agent for the benefit of all Lenders cash in an amount equal to 110% of the aggregate outstanding obligations and Reimbursement Undertakings in connection with such Letters of Credit to be available to Agent to reimburse payments of drafts drawn under such Letters of Credit and pay any fees and expenses related thereto.

(g) Application of Payments. Each prepayment pursuant to Section 2.4(e) shall be applied in the manner set forth in Section 2.4(b)(ii). No prepayment under this Section 2.4(g) shall result in a permanent reduction of the Maximum Revolver Amount or the Revolver Commitments.

2.5. Promise to Pay. Borrowers agree to pay the Lender Group Expenses on the earlier of (a) the first day of the calendar month following the date on which the applicable Lender Group Expenses were first incurred or (b) the date on which demand therefor is made by Agent (it being acknowledged and agreed that any charging of such costs, expenses or Lender Group Expenses to the Loan Account pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.6(d) shall be deemed to constitute a demand for payment thereof for the purposes of this subclause (b)). Borrowers promise to pay all of the Obligations (including principal, interest, premiums, if any, fees, costs, and expenses (including Lender Group Expenses)) in full on the Maturity Date, the Required Prepayment Date or, if earlier, on the date on which the Obligations (other than the Bank Product Obligations) become due and payable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Borrowers agree that their obligations contained in the first sentence of this Section 2.5 shall survive payment or satisfaction in full of all other Obligations.

 

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2.6. Interest Rates and Letter of Credit Fee: Rates, Payments, and Calculations.

(a) Interest Rates. Except as provided in Section 2.6(c), all Revolving Loans and all other Obligations (except for undrawn Letters of Credit) that have been charged to the Loan Account pursuant to the terms hereof shall bear interest as follows:

(i) if the relevant Obligation is a LIBOR Rate Loan, at a per annum rate equal to the LIBOR Rate plus the LIBOR Rate Margin, and

(ii) otherwise, at a per annum rate equal to the Base Rate plus the Base Rate Margin.

(b) Letter of Credit Fee. Borrowers shall pay Agent (for the ratable benefit of the Revolving Lenders), a Letter of Credit fee (the “Letter of Credit Fee”) (which fee shall be in addition to the fees, charges, commissions, and costs set forth in Section 2.11(j)) that shall accrue at a per annum rate equal to the LIBOR Rate Margin times the undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

(c) Default Rate. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default and at the election of Agent or the Required Lenders,

(i) all Revolving Loans and all other Obligations (except for undrawn Letters of Credit) that have been charged to the Loan Account pursuant to the terms hereof shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to 3 percentage points above the per annum rate otherwise applicable thereunder, and

(ii) the Letter of Credit Fee shall be increased to 3 percentage points above the per annum rate otherwise applicable hereunder.

(d) Payment. Except to the extent provided to the contrary in Section 2.10 or Section 2.12(a), (i) all interest, all Letter of Credit Fees, and all other fees payable hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents shall be due and payable, in arrears, on the first day of each month, and (ii) all costs and expenses payable hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, and all Lender Group Expenses shall be due and payable on the earlier of (x) the first day of the month following the date on which the applicable costs, expenses, or Lender Group Expenses were first incurred or (y) the date on which demand therefor is made by Agent (it being acknowledged and agreed that any charging of such costs, expenses or Lender Group Expenses to the Loan Account pursuant to the provisions of the following sentence shall be deemed to constitute a demand for payment thereof for the purposes of this subclause (y)). Borrowers hereby authorize Agent, from time to time without prior notice to Borrowers, to charge to the Loan Account (A) on the first day of each month, all interest accrued during the prior month on the Revolving Loans hereunder, (B) on the first day of each month, all Letter of Credit Fees accrued or chargeable hereunder during the prior month, (C) on the first day of each month, the Unused Line Fee accrued during the prior month pursuant to Section 2.10(b), (D) as

 

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and when incurred or accrued, all audit, appraisal, valuation, or other charges or fees payable hereunder, including pursuant to Section 2.10(a) and (c), (E) as and when due and payable, all other fees payable hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, (F) as and when incurred or accrued, all fees, charges, commissions, and costs provided for in Section 2.11(j), (G) as and when incurred or accrued, all other Lender Group Expenses, and (H) as and when due and payable all other payment obligations payable under any Loan Document or any Bank Product Agreement (including any amounts due and payable to the Bank Product Providers in respect of Bank Products). All amounts (including interest, fees, costs, expenses, Lender Group Expenses, or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document or under any Bank Product Agreement) charged to the Loan Account shall thereupon constitute Revolving Loans hereunder, shall constitute Obligations hereunder, and shall initially accrue interest at the rate then applicable to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans (unless and until converted into LIBOR Rate Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement).

(e) Computation. All interest and fees chargeable under the Loan Documents shall be computed on the basis of a 360 day year, in each case, for the actual number of days elapsed in the period during which the interest or fees accrue. In the event the Base Rate is changed from time to time hereafter, the rates of interest hereunder based upon the Base Rate automatically and immediately shall be increased or decreased by an amount equal to such change in the Base Rate.

(f) Intent to Limit Charges to Maximum Lawful Rate. In no event shall the interest rate or rates payable under this Agreement, plus any other amounts paid in connection herewith, exceed the highest rate permissible under any law that a court of competent jurisdiction shall, in a final determination, deem applicable. Borrowers and the Lender Group, in executing and delivering this Agreement, intend legally to agree upon the rate or rates of interest and manner of payment stated within it; provided, that, anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if such rate or rates of interest or manner of payment exceeds the maximum allowable under applicable law, then, ipso facto, as of the date of this Agreement, Borrowers are and shall be liable only for the payment of such maximum amount as is allowed by law, and payment received from Borrowers in excess of such legal maximum, whenever received, shall be applied to reduce the principal balance of the Obligations to the extent of such excess.

2.7. Crediting Payments. The receipt of any payment item by Agent shall not be required to be considered a payment on account unless such payment item is a wire transfer of immediately available federal funds made to Agent’s Account or unless and until such payment item is honored when presented for payment. Should any payment item not be honored when presented for payment, then Borrowers shall be deemed not to have made such payment and interest shall be calculated accordingly. Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, any payment item shall be deemed received by Agent only if it is received into Agent’s Account on a Business Day on or before 1:30 p.m. If any payment item is received into Agent’s Account on a non-Business Day or after 1:30 p.m. on a Business Day (unless Agent, in its sole discretion, elects to credit it on the date received), it shall be deemed to have been received by Agent as of the opening of business on the immediately following Business Day.

 

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2.8. Designated Account. Agent is authorized to make the Revolving Loans, and Issuing Lender is authorized to issue the Letters of Credit, under this Agreement based upon telephonic or other instructions received from anyone purporting to be an Authorized Person or, without instructions, if pursuant to Section 2.6(d). Borrowers agree to establish and maintain the Designated Account with the Designated Account Bank for the purpose of receiving the proceeds of the Revolving Loans requested by Borrowers and made by Agent or the Lenders hereunder. Unless otherwise agreed by Agent and Borrowers, any Revolving Loan requested by Borrowers and made by Agent, Swing Lender or the Lenders hereunder shall be made to the Designated Account.

2.9. Maintenance of Loan Account; Statements of Obligations. Agent shall maintain an account on its books in the name of Borrowers (the “Loan Account”) on which Borrowers will be charged with all Revolving Loans (including Extraordinary Advances and Swing Loans) made by Agent, Swing Lender, or the Lenders to Borrowers or for Borrowers’ account, the Letters of Credit issued or arranged by Issuing Lender for Borrowers’ account, and with all other payment Obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, including, accrued interest, fees and expenses, and Lender Group Expenses. In accordance with Section 2.7, the Loan Account will be credited with all payments received by Agent from Borrowers or for Borrowers’ account. Agent shall make available to Borrowers monthly statements regarding the Loan Account, including the principal amount the Revolving Loans, interest accrued hereunder, fees accrued or charged hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and a summary itemization of all charges and expenses constituting Lender Group Expenses accrued hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and each such statement, absent manifest error, shall be conclusively presumed to be correct and accurate and constitute an account stated between Borrowers and the Lender Group unless, within 30 days after Agent first makes such a statement available to Borrowers, Borrowers shall deliver to Agent written objection thereto describing the error or errors contained in such statement.

2.10. Fees.

(a) Agent Fee. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the account of Agent, as and when due and payable under the terms of the Fee Letter, the agent fee set forth in the Fee Letter.

(b) Unused Line Fee. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the ratable account of the Revolving Lenders, on the first day of each month from and after the Closing Date up to the first day of the month prior to the date on which the Obligations are paid in full and on the date on which the Obligations are paid in full, an unused line fee (the “Unused Line Fee”) in an amount equal to the Applicable Unused Line Fee Percentage per annum times the result of (i) the aggregate amount of the Revolver Commitments, less (ii) the average amount of the Revolver Usage during the immediately preceding month (or portion thereof).

(c) Field Examination and Other Fees. Borrowers shall pay to Agent or either Co-Collateral Agent, as applicable, field examination, appraisal, and valuation fees and charges, as and when incurred or chargeable, as follows (i) a fee of $1,000 (or the then prevailing rate) per day, per examiner, plus out-of-pocket expenses (including travel, meals, and lodging) for each field examination of Loan Parties performed by personnel employed by any Co-Collateral Agent, and (ii) the fees or charges paid or incurred by any Co-Collateral Agent (but, in any event, no less than a charge of $1,000 per day, per Person, plus out-of-pocket expenses

 

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(including travel, meals, and lodging)) if it elects to employ the services of one or more third Persons to perform field examinations of Parent or its Subsidiaries, to establish electronic collateral reporting systems, to appraise the Collateral, or any portion thereof, to perform financial audits or quality of earnings analyses of Borrowers or their Subsidiaries, or to assess Parent’s or its Subsidiaries’ business valuation.

(d) Closing Fee. Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the ratable account of the Lenders, as and when due and payable under the terms of the Fee Letter, the closing fee set forth in the Fee Letter. In addition, Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Revolving Lenders, an incremental facility fee of $500,000 fully earned upon the date hereof and payable hereunder upon the reduction of the Revolver Commitments substantially to zero or the early termination of the Revolver Commitments; provided, that, such fee shall be waived if the Existing Secured Obligations and the Obligations are paid in full with the proceeds of any sale of all or substantially all of the Loan Parties’ assets pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code. For the avoidance of doubt, such fee shall not be waived if the Existing Secured Obligations and the Obligations are paid in full with proceeds from any other source, whether during the Bankruptcy Cases or under a plan of reorganization.

2.11. Letters of Credit.

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, upon the request of Administrative Borrower made in accordance herewith, Issuing Lender agrees to issue, or to cause an Underlying Issuer (including, as Issuing Lender’s agent) to issue, a requested Letter of Credit for the account of Borrowers. If Issuing Lender, at its option, elects to cause an Underlying Issuer to issue a requested Letter of Credit, then Issuing Lender agrees that it will enter into arrangements relative to the reimbursement of such Underlying Issuer (which may include, among other means, by becoming an applicant with respect to such Letter of Credit or entering into undertakings or other arrangements that provide for reimbursement of such Underlying Issuer with respect to such drawings under Letter of Credit; each such obligation or undertaking, irrespective of whether in writing, a “Reimbursement Undertaking”) with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Underlying Issuer for the account of Borrowers. By submitting a request to Issuing Lender for the issuance of a Letter of Credit, Borrowers shall be deemed to have requested that (i) Issuing Lender issue or (ii) an Underlying Issuer issue the requested Letter of Credit (and, in such case, to have requested Issuing Lender to issue a Reimbursement Undertaking with respect to such requested Letter of Credit). Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that such Borrower is and shall be deemed to be an applicant (within the meaning of Section 5-102(a)(2) of the Code) with respect to each Underlying Letter of Credit. Each request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or the amendment, renewal, or extension of any outstanding Letter of Credit, shall be made in writing by an Authorized Person and delivered to Issuing Lender via hand delivery, telefacsimile, or other electronic method of transmission reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal, or extension. Each such request shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Issuing Lender and (i) shall specify (A) the amount of such Letter of Credit, (B) the date of issuance, amendment, renewal, or extension of such Letter of Credit, (C) the proposed expiration date of such Letter of Credit, (D) the name and address of the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit, and (E) such other information (including, the conditions to drawing, and, in the case of an amendment, renewal, or extension, identification of the Letter of Credit to be so amended, renewed, or extended) as shall

 

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be necessary to prepare, amend, renew, or extend such Letter of Credit, and (ii) shall be accompanied by such Issuer Documents as Agent, Issuing Lender or Underlying Issuer may request or require, to the extent that such requests or requirements are consistent with the Issuer Documents that Issuing Lender or Underlying Issuer generally requests for Letters of Credit in similar circumstances. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, Issuing Lender may, but shall not be obligated to, issue or cause the issuance of a Letter of Credit or to issue a Reimbursement Undertaking in respect of an Underlying Letter of Credit, in either case, that supports the obligations of Parent or its Subsidiaries in respect of (A) a lease of real property to the extent that the face amount of such Letter of Credit or the amount of such Reimbursement Undertaking exceeds the highest rent (including all rent-like charges) payable under such lease for a period of one year, or (B) an employment contract to the extent that the face amount of such Letter of Credit or the amount of such Reimbursement Undertaking exceeds the highest compensation payable under such contract for a period of one year.

(b) Issuing Lender shall have no obligation to issue a Letter of Credit or a Reimbursement Undertaking in respect of an Underlying Letter of Credit, in either case, if any of the following would result after giving effect to the requested issuance:

(i) the Letter of Credit Usage would exceed $15,000,000, or

(ii) the Letter of Credit Usage would exceed the Maximum Revolver Amount less the Availability Reserve less the outstanding amount of Revolving Loans (including Swing Loans), or

(iii) the Letter of Credit Usage would exceed the Borrowing Base at such time less the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loans (inclusive of Swing Loans) at such time.

(c) In the event there is a Defaulting Lender as of the date of any request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Lender shall not be required to issue or arrange for such Letter of Credit to the extent (x) the Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Exposure with respect to such Letter of Credit may not be reallocated pursuant to Section 2.3(g)(ii) or (y) the Issuing Lender has not otherwise entered into arrangements reasonably satisfactory to it and Borrowers to eliminate the Issuing Lender’s risk with respect to the participation in such Letter of Credit of the Defaulting Lender, which arrangements may include Borrowers cash collateralizing such Defaulting Lender’s Letter of Credit Exposure in accordance with Section 2.3(g)(ii). Additionally, Issuing Lender shall have no obligation to issue a Letter of Credit or a Reimbursement Undertaking in respect of an Underlying Letter of Credit, in either case, if (I) any order, judgment, or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall, by its terms, purport to enjoin or restrain Issuing Lender from issuing such Letter of Credit or Reimbursement Undertaking or Underlying Issuer from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any law applicable to Issuing Lender or Underlying Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over Issuing Lender or Underlying Issuer shall prohibit or request that Issuing Lender or Underlying Issuer refrain from the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit or Reimbursement Undertaking (as applicable) in particular, or (II) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of Issuing Lender or Underlying Issuer applicable to letters of credit generally.

 

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(d) Any Issuing Lender (other than Wells Fargo or any of its Affiliates) shall notify Agent in writing no later than the Business Day immediately following the Business Day on which such Issuing Lender issued any Letter of Credit; provided that (y) until Agent advises any such Issuing Lender that the provisions of Section 3.2 are not satisfied, or (z) the aggregate amount of the Letters of Credit issued in any such week exceeds such amount as shall be agreed by Agent and such Issuing Lender, such Issuing Lender shall be required to so notify Agent in writing only once each week of the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Lender during the immediately preceding week as well as the daily amounts outstanding for the prior week, such notice to be furnished on such day of the week as Agent and such Issuing Lender may agree. Each Letter of Credit shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Issuing Lender, including the requirement that the amounts payable thereunder must be payable in Dollars. If Issuing Lender makes a payment under a Letter of Credit or an Underlying Issuer makes a payment under an Underlying Letter of Credit, Borrowers shall pay to Agent an amount equal to the applicable Letter of Credit Disbursement on the date such Letter of Credit Disbursement is made and, in the absence of such payment, the amount of the Letter of Credit Disbursement immediately and automatically shall be deemed to be a Revolving Loan hereunder (notwithstanding any failure to satisfy any condition precedent set forth in Section 3) and, initially, shall bear interest at the rate then applicable to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans. If a Letter of Credit Disbursement is deemed to be a Revolving Loan hereunder, Borrowers’ obligation to pay the amount of such Letter of Credit Disbursement to Issuing Lender shall be automatically converted into an obligation to pay the resulting Revolving Loan. Promptly following receipt by Agent of any payment from Borrowers pursuant to this paragraph, Agent shall distribute such payment to Issuing Lender or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to Section 2.11(b) to reimburse Issuing Lender, then to such Lenders and Issuing Lender as their interests may appear.

(e) Promptly following receipt of a notice of a Letter of Credit Disbursement pursuant to Section 2.11(a), each Revolving Lender agrees to fund its Pro Rata Share of any Revolving Loan deemed made pursuant to Section 2.11(a) on the same terms and conditions as if Borrowers had requested the amount thereof as a Revolving Loan and Agent shall promptly pay to Issuing Lender the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit or a Reimbursement Undertaking (or an amendment, renewal, or extension of a Letter of Credit or a Reimbursement Undertaking) and without any further action on the part of Issuing Lender or the Revolving Lenders, Issuing Lender shall be deemed to have granted to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender shall be deemed to have purchased, a participation in each Letter of Credit issued by Issuing Lender and each Reimbursement Undertaking, in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of such Letter of Credit or Reimbursement Undertaking, and each such Lender agrees to pay to Agent, for the account of Issuing Lender, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of any Letter of Credit Disbursement made by Issuing Lender or an Underlying Issuer under the applicable Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to Agent, for the account of Issuing Lender, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of each Letter of Credit Disbursement made by Issuing Lender or an Underlying Issuer and not reimbursed by Borrowers on the date due as provided in Section 2.11(a), or of any reimbursement payment this is required

 

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to be refunded (or that Agent or Issuing Lender elects, based upon the advice of counsel, to refund) to Borrowers for any reason. Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to deliver to Agent, for the account of Issuing Lender, an amount equal to its respective Pro Rata Share of each Letter of Credit Disbursement pursuant to this Section 2.11(b) shall be absolute and unconditional and such remittance shall be made notwithstanding the occurrence or continuation of an Event of Default or Default or the failure to satisfy any condition set forth in Section 3. If any such Lender fails to make available to Agent the amount of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of a Letter of Credit Disbursement as provided in this Section, such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender and Agent (for the account of Issuing Lender) shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon at the Defaulting Lender Rate until paid in full.

(f) Borrowers hereby agree to indemnify, save, defend, and hold the Lender Group and each Underlying Issuer harmless from any damage, loss, cost, expense, or liability (other than Taxes, which shall be governed by Section 16), and reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by Issuing Lender, any other member of the Lender Group, or any Underlying Issuer arising out of or in connection with any Reimbursement Undertaking or any Letter of Credit; provided, that Borrowers shall not be obligated hereunder to indemnify the Lender Group or any Underlying Issuer for any loss, cost, expense, or liability that a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Issuing Lender, any other member of the Lender Group, or any Underlying Issuer. Borrowers agree to be bound by the Underlying Issuer’s regulations and interpretations of any Letter of Credit or by Issuing Lender’s interpretations of any Reimbursement Undertaking even though this interpretation may be different from any Borrower’s own. Borrowers understand that the Reimbursement Undertakings may require Issuing Lender to indemnify the Underlying Issuer for certain costs or liabilities arising out of claims by Borrowers against such Underlying Issuer. Borrowers hereby agree to indemnify, save, defend, and hold Issuing Lender and the other members of the Lender Group harmless with respect to any loss, cost, expense (including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and expenses), or liability (other than Taxes, which shall be governed by Section 16) incurred by them as a result of Issuing Lender’s indemnification of an Underlying Issuer; provided, that Borrowers shall not be obligated hereunder to indemnify for any such loss, cost, expense, or liability that a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Issuing Lender or any other member of the Lender Group.

(g) Each Lender and Borrowers agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, neither Issuing Lender nor any Underlying Issuer (as applicable) shall have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit or the Underlying Letter of Credit (as applicable)) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of Issuing Lender, any Underlying Issuer, Agent, any of the Lender-Related Persons or Agent-Related Persons, nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of Issuing Lender shall be liable to any Lender or any Loan Party for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; (iii) any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or

 

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relating to any Letter of Credit or any error in interpretation of technical terms; or (iv) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document. Each Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided, that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude Borrowers from pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of Issuing Lender, any Underlying Issuer, Agent, any of the Lender-Related Persons or Agent-Related Persons, nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of Issuing Lender or any Underlying Issuer shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (vi) of Section 2.11(h) or for any action, neglect or omission under or in connection with any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document, including in connection with the issuance or any amendment of any Letter of Credit, the failure to issue or amend any Letter of Credit, the honoring or dishonoring of any demand under any Letter of Credit, or the following of any Borrower’s instructions or those contained in the Letter of Credit or any modifications, amendments, or supplements thereto, and such action or neglect or omission will bind Borrowers. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, Issuing Lender and each Underlying Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary (or Issuing Lender and any Underlying Issuer may refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit and may disregard any requirement in a Letter of Credit that notice of dishonor be given in a particular manner and any requirement that presentation be made at a particular place or by a particular time of day), and neither Issuing Lender nor any Underlying Issuer shall be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason. Neither Issuing Lender nor any Underlying Issuer shall be responsible for the wording of any Letter of Credit (including any drawing conditions or any terms or conditions that are ineffective, ambiguous, inconsistent, unduly complicated or reasonably impossible to satisfy), notwithstanding any assistance Issuing Lender or any Underlying Issuer may provide to Borrowers with drafting or recommending text for any letter of credit application or with the structuring of any transaction related to any Letter of Credit, and Borrowers hereby acknowledge and agree that any such assistance will not constitute legal or other advice by Issuing Lender or any Underlying Issuer or any representation or warranty by Issuing Lender or any Underlying Issuer that any such wording or such Letter of Credit will be effective. Without limiting the foregoing, Issuing Lender or any Underlying Issuer may, as it deems appropriate, use in any Letter of Credit any portion of the language prepared by any Borrower and contained in the letter of credit application relative to drawings under such Letter of Credit. Borrowers hereby acknowledge and agree that neither any Underlying Issuer nor any member of the Lender Group shall be responsible for delays, errors, or omissions resulting from the malfunction of equipment in connection with any Letter of Credit.

(h) The obligation of Borrowers to reimburse Issuing Lender for each drawing under each Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:

 

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(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document,

(ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that Parent or any of its Subsidiaries may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), Issuing Lender or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction,

(iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit,

(iv) any payment by Issuing Lender under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not substantially or strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit (including, without limitation, any requirement that presentation be made at a particular place or by a particular time of day), or any payment made by Issuing Lender under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit,

(v) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or discharge of, Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or

(vi) the fact that any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(i) Borrowers hereby authorize and direct any Underlying Issuer to deliver to Issuing Lender all instruments, documents, and other writings and property received by such Underlying Issuer pursuant to such Underlying Letter of Credit and to accept and rely upon Issuing Lender’s instructions with respect to all matters arising in connection with such Underlying Letter of Credit and the related application.

(j) Borrowers acknowledge and agree that any and all fees, charges, costs, or commissions in effect from time to time, of Issuing Lender relating to Letters of Credit or incurred by Issuing Lender relating to Underlying Letters of Credit, upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit, upon the payment or negotiation of any drawing under any Letter of Credit, or upon the occurrence of any other activity with respect to any Letter of Credit (including the transfer, amendment, or cancellation of any Letter of Credit), together with any and all fronting fees in effect from time to time related to Letters of Credit, shall be Lender Group Expenses for purposes of this Agreement and shall be reimbursable immediately by Borrowers to Agent for the account of Issuing Lender; it being acknowledged and agreed by Borrowers that, as of the Closing Date, Issuing Lender is entitled to charge Borrowers a fronting fee of 0.25% per annum times the undrawn amount of each Underlying Letter of Credit and that such fronting fee may be changed by Issuing Lender from time to time without notice.

 

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(k) If by reason of (i) any change after the Closing Date in any applicable law, treaty, rule, or regulation or any change in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority, or (ii) compliance by Issuing Lender, any other member of the Lender Group, or Underlying Issuer with any direction, request, or requirement (irrespective of whether having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority or monetary authority including, Regulation D of the Board of Governors as from time to time in effect (and any successor thereto):

(i) any reserve, deposit, or similar requirement is or shall be imposed or modified in respect of any Letter of Credit issued or caused to be issued hereunder or hereby, or

(ii) there shall be imposed on Issuing Lender, any other member of the Lender Group, or Underlying Issuer any other condition regarding any Letter of Credit or Reimbursement Undertaking,

and the result of the foregoing is to increase, directly or indirectly, the cost to Issuing Lender, any other member of the Lender Group, or an Underlying Issuer of issuing, making, participating in, or maintaining any Reimbursement Undertaking or Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount receivable in respect thereof, then, and in any such case, Agent may, at any time within a reasonable period after the additional cost is incurred or the amount received is reduced, notify Administrative Borrower, and Borrowers shall pay on demand, such amounts as Agent may specify to be necessary to compensate Issuing Lender, any other member of the Lender Group, or an Underlying Issuer for such additional cost or reduced receipt, together with interest on such amount from the date of such demand until payment in full thereof at the rate then applicable to Base Rate Loans hereunder. The determination by Agent of any amount due pursuant to this Section 2.11(k), as set forth in a certificate setting forth the calculation thereof in reasonable detail, shall, in the absence of manifest or demonstrable error, be final and conclusive and binding on all of the parties hereto.

(l) Unless otherwise expressly agreed by Issuing Lender and Borrowers when a Letter of Credit is issued, (i) the rules of the ISP and the UCP 600 shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit, and (ii) the rules of the UCP 600 shall apply to each commercial Letter of Credit.

(m) In the event of a direct conflict between the provisions of this Section 2.11 and any provision contained in any Issuer Document, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such provisions be read together and construed, to the fullest extent possible, to be in concert with each other. In the event of any actual, irreconcilable conflict that cannot be resolved as aforesaid, the terms and provisions of this Section 2.11 shall control and govern.

 

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(n) Schedule 2.11 hereto contains a list of all letters of credit outstanding on the Filing Date pursuant to the Existing Loan Agreement. For the period from and after the effective date of the Interim Order, each such letter of credit set forth on Schedule 2.11, including any extension or renewal thereof, that remains outstanding on the effective date of the Interim Order (each, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof and hereof, an “Existing Letter of Credit”) shall be deemed Letters of Credit re-issued hereunder for the account of Borrowers, for all purposes of this Agreement, including, without limitation, calculations of Availability, the Borrowing Base, Letter of Credit Usage and all other fees and expenses relating to the Letters of Credit (including any related indemnification obligations). Issuing Lender hereby assumes and agrees to perform any and all duties, obligations and liabilities to be performed or discharged by the issuers of the Existing Letters of Credit. Borrowers agree to execute and deliver such documentation, if any, requested by Agent, or an Issuing Lender to evidence, record, or further the foregoing deemed re-issuance.

(o) The expiration date of each Letter of Credit, other than the Existing Letters of Credit, shall be on a date that is not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the Maturity Date unless Borrower provides cash collateral for the obligations and Reimbursement Undertakings associated with such Letters of Credit in the manner set forth in Section 2.4(f) hereof; provided, that a Letter of Credit may provide for automatic extensions of its expiration date for one (1) or more successive periods of up to twelve (12) months for each period; provided, further, that the applicable Issuing Lender has the right to terminate such Letter of Credit on each such expiration date and no renewal term may extend the term of the Letter of Credit to a date that is later than the fifteenth (15th) day prior to the Maturity Date unless Borrowers provide cash collateral for the obligations and Reimbursement Undertakings associated with such Letters of Credit in the amount set forth in Section 2.4(f). Upon direction by Agent or Required Lenders, the applicable Issuing Lender shall not renew any such Letter of Credit at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default; provided, that in the case of a direction by Agent or Required Lenders, the Issuing Lender receives such directions prior to the date notice of non-renewal is required to be given by the Issuing Lender and the Issuing Lender has had a reasonable period of time to act on such notice.

2.12. LIBOR Option.

(a) Interest and Interest Payment Dates. In lieu of having interest charged at the rate based upon the Base Rate, Borrowers shall have the option, subject to Section 2.12(b) below (the “LIBOR Option”) to have interest on all or a portion of the Revolving Loans be charged (whether at the time when made (unless otherwise provided herein), upon conversion from a Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan, or upon continuation of a LIBOR Rate Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan) at a rate of interest based upon the LIBOR Rate. Interest on LIBOR Rate Loans shall be payable on the earliest of (i) the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto; provided, that, subject to the following clauses (ii) and (iii), in the case of any Interest Period greater than 3 months in duration, interest shall be payable at 3 month intervals after the commencement of the applicable Interest Period and on the last day of such Interest Period), (ii) the date on which all or any portion of the Obligations are accelerated pursuant to the terms hereof, or (iii) the date on which this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the terms hereof. On the last day of each applicable Interest Period, unless Borrowers properly have exercised the LIBOR Option with respect thereto, the interest rate applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loan automatically shall convert to the rate of interest then applicable to Base Rate Loans of the same type hereunder. At any time that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at the written election of the Required Lenders, Borrowers no longer shall have the option to request that Revolving Loans bear interest at a rate based upon the LIBOR Rate.

 

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(b) LIBOR Election.

(i) Borrowers may, at any time and from time to time, so long as Administrative Borrower has not received a notice from Agent (which notice Agent may elect to give or not give in its discretion unless Agent is directed to give such notice by the Required Lenders, in which case, it shall give the notice to Administrative Borrower), after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to terminate the right of Borrowers to exercise the LIBOR Option during the continuance of such Event of Default, elect to exercise the LIBOR Option by notifying Agent prior to 11:00 a.m. at least 3 Business Days prior to the commencement of the proposed Interest Period (the “LIBOR Deadline”). Notice of Borrowers’ election of the LIBOR Option for a permitted portion of the Revolving Loans and an Interest Period pursuant to this Section shall be made by delivery to Agent of a LIBOR Notice received by Agent before the LIBOR Deadline, or by telephonic notice received by Agent before the LIBOR Deadline (to be confirmed by delivery to Agent of a LIBOR Notice received by Agent prior to 5:00 p.m. on the same day). Promptly upon its receipt of each such LIBOR Notice, Agent shall provide a copy thereof to each of the affected Lenders.

(ii) Each LIBOR Notice shall be irrevocable and binding on Borrowers. In connection with each LIBOR Rate Loan, Borrowers shall indemnify, defend, and hold Agent and the Lenders harmless against any loss, cost, or expense actually incurred by Agent or any Lender as a result of (A) the payment of any principal of any LIBOR Rate Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (B) the conversion of any LIBOR Rate Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (C) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any LIBOR Rate Loan on the date specified in any LIBOR Notice delivered pursuant hereto (such losses, costs, or expenses, “Funding Losses”). A certificate of Agent or a Lender delivered to Administrative Borrower setting forth in reasonable detail any amount or amounts that Agent or such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.12 shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Borrowers shall pay such amount to Agent or the Lender, as applicable, within 30 days of the date of its receipt of such certificate. If a payment of a LIBOR Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the applicable Interest Period would result in a Funding Loss, Agent may, in its sole discretion at the request of Administrative Borrower, hold the amount of such payment as cash collateral in support of the Obligations until the last day of such Interest Period and apply such amounts to the payment of the applicable LIBOR Rate Loan on such last day, it being agreed that Agent has no obligation to so defer the application of payments to any LIBOR Rate Loan and that, in the event that Agent does not defer such application, Borrowers shall be obligated to pay any resulting Funding Losses.

(iii) Unless Agent, in its sole discretion, agrees otherwise, Borrowers shall have not more than 5 LIBOR Rate Loans in effect at any given time. Borrowers only may exercise the LIBOR Option for proposed LIBOR Rate Loans of at least $1,000,000.

 

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(c) Conversion. Borrowers may convert LIBOR Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans at any time; provided, that in the event that LIBOR Rate Loans are converted or prepaid on any date that is not the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, including as a result of any prepayment through the required application by Agent of any payments or proceeds of Collateral in accordance with Section 2.4(b) or for any other reason, including early termination of the term of this Agreement or acceleration of all or any portion of the Obligations pursuant to the terms hereof, Borrowers shall indemnify, defend, and hold Agent and the Lenders and their Participants harmless against any and all Funding Losses in accordance with Section 2.12 (b)(ii).

(d) Special Provisions Applicable to LIBOR Rate.

(i) The LIBOR Rate may be adjusted by Agent with respect to any Lender on a prospective basis to take into account any additional or increased costs to such Lender of maintaining or obtaining any eurodollar deposits or increased costs, in each case, due to changes in applicable law (other than changes in laws relative to Taxes, which shall be governed by Section 16) occurring subsequent to the commencement of the then applicable Interest Period, including changes in tax laws (except changes of general applicability in corporate income tax laws) and changes in the reserve requirements imposed by the Board of Governors, which additional or increased costs would increase the cost of funding or maintaining loans bearing interest at the LIBOR Rate. In any such event, the affected Lender shall give Administrative Borrower and Agent notice of such a determination and adjustment and Agent promptly shall transmit the notice to each other Lender and, upon its receipt of the notice from the affected Lender, Borrowers may, by notice to such affected Lender (A) require such Lender to furnish to Borrowers a statement setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for adjusting such LIBOR Rate and the method for determining the amount of such adjustment, or (B) repay the LIBOR Rate Loans of such Lender with respect to which such adjustment is made (together with any amounts due under Section 2.12(b)(ii)).

(ii) In the event that any change in market conditions or any law, regulation, treaty, or directive, or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof, shall at any time after the date hereof, in the reasonable opinion of any Lender, make it unlawful or impractical for such Lender to fund or maintain LIBOR Rate Loans or to continue such funding or maintaining, or to determine or charge interest rates at the LIBOR Rate, such Lender shall give notice of such changed circumstances to Agent and Administrative Borrower and Agent promptly shall transmit the notice to each other Lender and (y) in the case of any LIBOR Rate Loans of such Lender that are outstanding, the date specified in such Lender’s notice shall be deemed to be the last day of the Interest Period of such LIBOR Rate Loans, and interest upon the LIBOR Rate Loans of such Lender thereafter shall accrue interest at the rate then applicable to Base Rate Loans, and (z) Borrowers shall not be entitled to elect the LIBOR Option until such Lender determines that it would no longer be unlawful or impractical to do so.

(e) No Requirement of Matched Funding. Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, neither Agent, nor any Lender, nor any of their Participants, is required actually to acquire eurodollar deposits to fund or otherwise match fund any Obligation as to which interest accrues at the LIBOR Rate.

 

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2.13. Capital Requirements.

(a) If, after the date hereof, any Lender determines that (i) the adoption of or change in any law, rule, regulation or guideline regarding capital or reserve requirements for banks or bank holding companies, or any change in the interpretation, implementation, or application thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the administration thereof, or (ii) compliance by such Lender or its parent bank holding company with any guideline, request or directive of any such entity regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law), has the effect of reducing the return on such Lender’s or such holding company’s capital as a consequence of such Lender’s Commitments hereunder to a level below that which such Lender or such holding company could have achieved but for such adoption, change, or compliance (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such holding company’s then existing policies with respect to capital adequacy and assuming the full utilization of such entity’s capital) by any amount deemed by such Lender to be material, then such Lender may notify Administrative Borrower and Agent thereof. Following receipt of such notice, Borrowers agree to pay such Lender on demand the amount of such reduction of return of capital as and when such reduction is determined, payable within 30 days after presentation by such Lender of a statement in the amount and setting forth in reasonable detail such Lender’s calculation thereof and the assumptions upon which such calculation was based (which statement shall be deemed true and correct absent manifest error). In determining such amount, such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any reductions in return incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender notifies Administrative Borrower of such law, rule, regulation or guideline giving rise to such reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that if such claim arises by reason of the adoption of or change in any law, rule, regulation or guideline that is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

(b) If any Lender requests additional or increased costs referred to in Section 2.12(d)(i) or amounts under Section 2.13(a) or sends a notice under Section 2.12(d)(ii) relative to changed circumstances (any such Lender, an “Affected Lender”), then such Affected Lender shall use reasonable efforts to promptly designate a different one of its lending offices or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices or branches, if (i) in the reasonable judgment of such Affected Lender, such designation or assignment would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.12(d)(i) or Section 2.13(a), as applicable, or would eliminate the illegality or impracticality of funding or maintaining LIBOR Rate Loans and (ii) in the reasonable judgment of such Affected Lender, such designation or assignment would not subject it to any material unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be materially disadvantageous to it. Borrowers agree to pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by such Affected Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment. If, after such reasonable efforts, such Affected Lender does not so designate a different one of its lending offices or assign its rights to another of its offices or branches so as to eliminate Borrowers’ obligation to pay any future amounts to such Affected Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(d)(i) or Section 2.13(a), as applicable, or to enable Borrowers to obtain LIBOR Rate Loans, then Borrowers (without prejudice to any amounts then due to such Affected Lender

 

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under Section 2.12(d)(i) or Section 2.13(a), as applicable) may, unless prior to the effective date of any such assignment the Affected Lender withdraws its request for such additional amounts under Section 2.12(d)(i) or Section 2.13(a), as applicable, or indicates that it is no longer unlawful or impractical to fund or maintain LIBOR Rate Loans, may seek a substitute Lender reasonably acceptable to Agent to purchase the Obligations owed to such Affected Lender and such Affected Lender’s Commitments hereunder (a “Replacement Lender”), and if such Replacement Lender agrees to such purchase, such Affected Lender shall assign to the Replacement Lender its Obligations and Commitments, pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, and upon such purchase by the Replacement Lender, such Replacement Lender shall be deemed to be a “Lender” for purposes of this Agreement and such Affected Lender shall cease to be a “Lender” for purposes of this Agreement.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the issuance of any rules, regulations or directions under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (ii) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlement, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, with respect to clauses (i) and (ii) above, after the date of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a change in law, rule, regulation or guideline for purposes of Sections 2.12 and 2.13 and the protection of Sections 2.12 and 2.13 shall be available to each Lender and Issuing Lender regardless of any possible contention of the invalidity or inapplicability of the law, rule, regulation, guideline or other change or condition which shall have occurred or been imposed, so long as it shall be customary for lenders or issuing banks affected thereby to comply therewith. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, no Lender or Issuing Lender shall demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.13 if it shall not at the time be the general policy or practice of such Lender or Issuing Lender (as the case may be) to demand such compensation in similar circumstances under comparable provisions of other credit agreements, if any.

2.14. Joint and Several Liability of Borrowers.

(a) Each Borrower is accepting joint and several liability hereunder and under the other Loan Documents in consideration of the financial accommodations to be provided by the Lender Group under this Agreement, for the mutual benefit, directly and indirectly, of each Borrower and in consideration of the undertakings of the other Borrowers to accept joint and several liability for the Obligations.

(b) Each Borrower, jointly and severally, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally accepts, not merely as a surety but also as a co-debtor, joint and several liability with the other Borrowers, with respect to the payment and performance of all of the Obligations (including any Obligations arising under this Section 2.14), it being the intention of the parties hereto that all the Obligations shall be the joint and several obligations of each Borrower without preferences or distinction among them.

 

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

(d) The Obligations of each Borrower under the provisions of this Section 2.14 constitute the absolute and unconditional, full recourse Obligations of each Borrower enforceable against each Borrower to the full extent of its properties and assets, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other circumstances whatsoever.

(e) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each Borrower hereby waives notice of acceptance of its joint and several liability, notice of any Revolving Loans or Letters of Credit issued under or pursuant to this Agreement, notice of the occurrence of any Default, Event of Default, or of any demand for any payment under this Agreement, notice of any action at any time taken or omitted by Agent or Lenders under or in respect of any of the Obligations, any requirement of diligence or to mitigate damages and, generally, to the extent permitted by applicable law, all demands, notices and other formalities of every kind in connection with this Agreement (except as otherwise provided in this Agreement). Each Borrower hereby assents to, and waives notice of, any extension or postponement of the time for the payment of any of the Obligations, the acceptance of any payment of any of the Obligations, the acceptance of any partial payment thereon, any waiver, consent or other action or acquiescence by Agent or Lenders at any time or times in respect of any default by any Borrower in the performance or satisfaction of any term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement, any and all other indulgences whatsoever by Agent or Lenders in respect of any of the Obligations, and the taking, addition, substitution or release, in whole or in part, at any time or times, of any security for any of the Obligations or the addition, substitution or release, in whole or in part, of any Borrower. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Borrower assents to any other action or delay in acting or failure to act on the part of any Agent or Lender with respect to the failure by any Borrower to comply with any of its respective Obligations, including any failure strictly or diligently to assert any right or to pursue any remedy or to comply fully with applicable laws or regulations thereunder, which might, but for the provisions of this Section 2.14 afford grounds for terminating, discharging or relieving any Borrower, in whole or in part, from any of its Obligations under this Section 2.14, it being the intention of each Borrower that, so long as any of the Obligations hereunder remain unsatisfied, the Obligations of each Borrower under this Section 2.14 shall not be discharged except by performance and then only to the extent of such performance. The Obligations of each Borrower under this Section 2.14 shall not be diminished or rendered unenforceable by any winding up, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation, reconstruction or similar proceeding with respect to any Borrower or any Agent or Lender.

(f) Each Borrower represents and warrants to Agent and Lenders that such Borrower is currently informed of the financial condition of Borrowers and of all other circumstances which a diligent inquiry would reveal and which bear upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations. Each Borrower further represents and warrants to Agent and Lenders that such Borrower has read and understands the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents. Each Borrower hereby covenants that such Borrower will continue to keep informed of Borrowers’ financial condition, the financial condition of other guarantors, if any, and of all other circumstances which bear upon the risk of nonpayment or nonperformance of the Obligations.

 

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(g) Each Borrower waives all rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies by Agent or any Lender, even though that election of remedies, such as a nonjudicial foreclosure with respect to security for a guaranteed obligation, has destroyed Agent’s or such Lender’s rights of subrogation and reimbursement against such Borrower by the operation of Section 580(d) of the California Code of Civil Procedure or any other similar laws or otherwise.

(h) The provisions of this Section 2.14 are made for the benefit of Agent, Lenders and their respective successors and assigns, and may be enforced by it or them from time to time against any or all Borrowers as often as occasion therefor may arise and without requirement on the part of Agent, Lender, successor or assign first to marshal any of its or their claims or to exercise any of its or their rights against any Borrower or to exhaust any remedies available to it or them against any Borrower or to resort to any other source or means of obtaining payment of any of the Obligations hereunder or to elect any other remedy. The provisions of this Section 2.14 shall remain in effect until all of the Obligations shall have been paid in full or otherwise fully satisfied. If at any time, any payment, or any part thereof, made in respect of any of the Obligations, is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by Agent or any Lender upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower, or otherwise, the provisions of this Section 2.14 will forthwith be reinstated in effect, as though such payment had not been made.

(i) Each Borrower hereby agrees that it will not enforce any of its rights of contribution or subrogation against any other Loan Party with respect to any liability incurred by it hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, any payments made by it to Agent or Lenders with respect to any of the Obligations or any collateral security therefor until such time as all of the Obligations have been paid in full in cash. Any claim which any Borrower may have against any other Loan Party with respect to any payments to any Agent or Lender hereunder or under any other Loan Documents 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 in cash of the Obligations and, in the event of any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceeding under the laws of any jurisdiction relating to any Loan Party, its debts or its assets, whether voluntary or involuntary, all such Obligations shall be paid in full in cash before any payment or distribution of any character, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made to any other Loan Party therefor.

3. CONDITIONS; TERM OF AGREEMENT.

3.1. Conditions Precedent to the Initial Extension of Credit. The obligation of each Lender to make the initial extensions of credit provided for hereunder is subject to the fulfillment, to the satisfaction of Agent, each Co-Collateral Agent and each Lender, of each of the conditions precedent set forth on Schedule 3.1 (the making of such initial extensions of credit by a Lender being conclusively deemed to be its satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent ).

 

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3.2. Conditions Precedent to all Extensions of Credit. The obligation of the Lender Group (or any member thereof) to make any Revolving Loans hereunder (or to extend any other credit hereunder) at any time shall be subject to the following conditions precedent:

(a) the representations and warranties of Parent or its Subsidiaries contained in this Agreement or in the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date of such extension of credit, as though made on and as of such date (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) as of such earlier date);

(b) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such extension of credit, nor shall either result from the making thereof;

(c) no injunction, writ, restraining order, or other order of any nature restricting or prohibiting, directly or indirectly, the extending of such credit shall have been issued and remain in force by any Governmental Authority against any Borrower, Agent, or any Lender; and

(d) no Material Adverse Change shall have occurred since the Closing Date.

No member of the Lender Group shall make any Revolving Loans under Section 2.1 hereof without the consent of all Lenders at any time that an Event of Default under Section 8.6(a) hereof that arises on account of the occurrence of a Split Lien Termination Date shall have occurred and be continuing, an Event of Default arising as a result of a breach of Section 5.16 hereof shall have occurred and be continuing or the lenders party to the Split Lien Credit Agreement are refusing to fund as a result of the existence of an “Event of Default” under and as defined in the Split Lien Credit Agreement.

3.3. Maturity. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect for a term ending on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the Required Prepayment Date.

3.4. Effect of Maturity. On the earlier of the Maturity Date or the Required Prepayment Date, all commitments of the Lender Group to provide additional credit hereunder shall automatically be terminated and all of the Obligations immediately shall become due and payable without notice or demand and Borrowers shall be required to repay all of the Obligations in full. No termination of the obligations of the Lender Group (other than payment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Commitments) shall relieve or discharge any Loan Party of its duties, obligations, or covenants hereunder or under any other Loan Document and Agent’s Liens in the Collateral shall continue to secure the Obligations and shall remain in effect until all Obligations have been paid in full and the Commitments have been terminated. When all of the Obligations have been paid in full and the Lender Group’s obligations to provide additional credit under the Loan Documents have been terminated irrevocably, Agent will, at Borrowers’ sole expense, execute and deliver any termination statements, lien releases, discharges of security interests, and other similar discharge or release documents (and, if applicable, in recordable form) as are reasonably necessary to release, as of record, Agent’s Liens and all notices of security interests and liens previously filed by Agent.

 

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3.5. Early Termination by Borrowers. Borrowers have the option, at any time upon 5 Business Days prior written notice to Agent, to terminate this Agreement and terminate the Commitments hereunder by repaying to Agent all of the Obligations in full, including, without limitation the prepayment fee described in Section 2.10(d), as applicable. The foregoing notwithstanding, (a) Borrowers may rescind termination notices relative to proposed payments in full of the Obligations with the proceeds of third party Indebtedness if the closing for such issuance or incurrence does not happen on or before the date of the proposed termination (in which case, a new notice shall be required to be sent in connection with any subsequent termination), and (b) Borrowers may extend the date of termination at any time with the consent of Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

In order to induce the Lender Group to enter into this Agreement, each Borrower makes the following representations and warranties to the Lender Group which shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as of the Closing Date, and shall be true, correct, and complete, in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof), as of the date of the making of each Revolving Loan (or other extension of credit) made thereafter, as though made on and as of the date of such Revolving Loan (or other extension of credit) (except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) as of such earlier date) and such representations and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement:

4.1. Due Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.

(a) Each Loan Party (i) is duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (ii) is qualified to do business in any state where the failure to be so qualified could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) has all requisite power and authority to own and operate its properties, to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, to enter into the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to carry out the transactions contemplated thereby.

(b) Set forth on Schedule 4.1(b) (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement) is a complete and accurate description of the authorized Equity Interest of Parent, by class, and, as of the Closing Date, a description of the number of shares of each such class that are issued and outstanding. Other than as described on Schedule 4.1(b), there are no subscriptions, options,

 

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warrants, or calls relating to any shares of Parent’s Equity Interest, including any right of conversion or exchange under any outstanding security or other instrument. Parent is not subject to any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to repurchase or otherwise acquire or retire any shares of its Equity Interest or any security convertible into or exchangeable for any of its Equity Interest.

(c) Set forth on Schedule 4.1(c) (as such Schedule may be updated from time to time to reflect changes resulting from transactions permitted under this Agreement), is a complete and accurate list of Parent’s direct and indirect Subsidiaries, showing: (i) the number of shares of each class of common and preferred Equity Interests authorized for each of such Subsidiaries, and (ii) the number and the percentage of the outstanding shares of each such class owned directly or indirectly by Parent. All of the outstanding Equity Interest of each such Subsidiary has been validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable.

(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.1(c), there are no subscriptions, options, warrants, or calls relating to any shares of Parent’s or its Subsidiaries’ Equity Interest, including any right of conversion or exchange under any outstanding security or other instrument.

4.2. Due Authorization; No Conflict.

(a) Subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Financing Order, as to each Loan Party, the execution, delivery, and performance by such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Loan Party.

(b) Subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Financing Order, as to each Loan Party, the execution, delivery, and performance by such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party do not and will not (i) violate any provision of federal, state, or local law or regulation applicable to any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, the Governing Documents of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, or any order, judgment, or decree of any court or other Governmental Authority binding on any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any material agreement of any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, (iii) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien of any nature whatsoever upon any assets of any Loan Party, other than Permitted Liens, or (iv) require any approval of any holder of Equity Interest of a Loan Party or any approval or consent of any Person under any material agreement of any Loan Party, other than consents or approvals that have been obtained and that are still in force and effect.

4.3. Governmental Consents. Subject to approval of the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the Financing Order, the execution, delivery, and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents do not and will not require any registration with, consent, or approval of, or notice to, or other action with or by, any Governmental Authority, other than registrations, consents, approvals, notices, or other actions that have been obtained and that are still in force and effect.

 

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4.4. Binding Obligations; Perfected Liens.

(a) Subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and pursuant to the Financing Order, each Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is a party thereto and is the legally valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its respective terms.

(b) Subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and pursuant to the Financing Order, Agent’s Liens are validly created, perfected (other than (i) in respect of motor vehicles that are subject to a certificate of title, (ii) money, (iii) letter-of-credit rights (other than supporting obligations, (iv) commercial tort claims (other than those that, by the terms of the Guaranty and Security Agreement, are required to be perfected), and (v) any Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts not subject to a Control Agreement as permitted by Section 7(k)(iv) of the Security Agreement, and subject only to the filing of financing statements, and the recordation of the Mortgages, in each case, in the appropriate filing offices), and first priority Liens, subject as to priority only to Permitted Senior Liens.

4.5. Title to Assets; No Encumbrances. Each of the Loan Parties and its Subsidiaries has (a) good, sufficient and legal title to (in the case of fee interests in Real Property), (b) valid leasehold interests in (in the case of leasehold interests in real or personal property), and (c) good and marketable title to (in the case of all other personal property), all of their respective assets reflected in their most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.1, in each case except for assets disposed of since the date of such financial statements to the extent permitted hereby. All of such assets are free and clear of Liens except for Permitted Liens.

4.6. Litigation.

(a) Other than the filing, commencement and continuation of the Bankruptcy Cases and any litigation resulting therefrom, there are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of Borrowers, after due inquiry, threatened in writing against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that either individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Schedule 4.6(b) sets forth a complete and accurate description, with respect to each of the actions, suits, or proceedings with asserted liabilities in excess of, or that could reasonably be expected to result in liabilities in excess of, $100,000 that, as of the Closing Date, is pending or, to the knowledge of Borrowers, after due inquiry, threatened against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, of (i) the parties to such actions, suits, or proceedings, (ii) the nature of the dispute that is the subject of such actions, suits, or proceedings, (iii) the procedural status, as of the Closing Date, with respect to such actions, suits, or proceedings, and (iv) whether any liability of the Loan Parties’ and their Subsidiaries in connection with such actions, suits, or proceedings is covered by insurance.

4.7. Compliance with Laws. Except as otherwise permitted by the Bankruptcy Code or pursuant to any order of the Bankruptcy Court, which order shall be in form and substance acceptable to the Agent, no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) is in violation of

 

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any applicable laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, or codes (including Environmental Laws) that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (b) is subject to or in default with respect to any final judgments, writs, injunctions, decrees, rules or regulations of any court or any federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

4.8. No Material Adverse Effect. All historical financial statements relating to the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries that have been delivered by Borrowers to Agent have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case of unaudited financial statements, for the lack of footnotes and being subject to year-end audit adjustments) and present fairly in all material respects, the Loan Parties’ and their Subsidiaries’ consolidated financial condition as of the date thereof and results of operations for the period then ended. Since December 29, 2012, other than the filing, commencement and continuation of the Bankruptcy Cases and the events that customarily result from the filing, commencement and continuation of the Bankruptcy Cases (including any litigation resulting therefrom), no event, circumstance, or change has occurred that has or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries.

4.9. No Fraudulent Conveyance. No transfer of property is being made by any Loan Party and no obligation is being incurred by any Loan Party in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud either present or future creditors of such Loan Party.

4.10. Employee Benefits. No Loan Party, none of their Subsidiaries, nor any of their ERISA Affiliates maintains or contributes to any Benefit Plan.

4.11. Environmental Condition. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.11, (a) to Borrowers’ knowledge, no Loan Party’s nor any of its Subsidiaries’ properties or assets has ever been used by a Loan Party, its Subsidiaries, or by previous owners or operators in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle, treat, release, or transport, any Hazardous Materials, where such disposal, production, storage, handling, treatment, release or transport was in violation, in any material respect, of any applicable Environmental Law, (b) to Borrowers’ knowledge, after due inquiry, no Loan Party’s nor any of its Subsidiaries’ properties or assets has ever been designated or identified in any manner pursuant to any environmental protection statute as a Hazardous Materials disposal site, (c) no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice that a Lien arising under any Environmental Law has attached to any revenues or to any Real Property owned or operated by a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, and (d) no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective facilities or operations is subject to any outstanding written order, consent decree, or settlement agreement with any Person relating to any Environmental Law or Environmental Liability.

4.12. Complete Disclosure. All factual information taken as a whole (other than forward-looking information and projections and information of a general economic nature and general information about Borrowers’ industry) furnished by or on behalf of a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries in writing to Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent or any Lender (including all

 

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information contained in the Schedules hereto or in the other Loan Documents) for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and all other such factual information taken as a whole (other than forward-looking information and projections and information of a general economic nature and general information about Borrowers’ industry) hereafter furnished by or on behalf of a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries in writing to Agent, any Collateral Agent or any Lender will be, true and accurate, in all material respects, on the date as of which such information is dated or certified and not incomplete by omitting to state any fact necessary to make such information (taken as a whole) not misleading in any material respect at such time in light of the circumstances under which such information was provided. The Projected Information delivered to Agent and Co-Collateral Agents, on January 27, 2013, represent, and as of the date on which any other Projections are delivered to Agent and Co-Collateral Agents, such additional Projections represent, Borrowers’ good faith estimate, on the date such Projections are delivered, of the Loan Parties’ and their Subsidiaries’ future performance for the periods covered thereby based upon assumptions believed by Borrowers to be reasonable at the time of the delivery thereof to Agent and Co-Collateral Agents (it being understood that such Projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and no assurances can be given that such Projections will be realized, and although reflecting Borrowers’ good faith estimate, projections or forecasts based on methods and assumptions which Borrowers believed to be reasonable at the time such Projections were prepared, are not to be viewed as facts, and that actual results during the period or periods covered by the Projections may differ materially from projected or estimated results).

4.13. Patriot Act. To the extent applicable, each Loan Party is in compliance, in all material respects, with the (a) Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, and each of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) and any other enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto, and (b) Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot Act of 2001) (the “Patriot Act”). No part of the proceeds of the loans made hereunder will be used by any Loan Party or any of their Affiliates, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

4.14. Indebtedness. Set forth on Schedule 4.14 is a true and complete list of all Indebtedness of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries outstanding immediately prior to the Closing Date that is to remain outstanding immediately after giving effect to the closing hereunder on the Closing Date and such Schedule accurately sets forth the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness as of the date specified on such Schedule.

4.15. Payment of Taxes. Except to the extent subject to the automatic stay and as otherwise permitted under Section 5.5, all tax returns and reports of each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries required to be filed by any of them have been timely filed, and all taxes shown on such tax returns to be due and payable and all assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon a Loan Party and its Subsidiaries and upon their respective assets, income, businesses and franchises that are due and payable have been paid when due and payable. Each Loan Party and

 

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each of its Subsidiaries have made adequate provision in accordance with GAAP for all taxes not yet due and payable. Borrowers know of no proposed tax assessment against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries that is not being actively contested by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary diligently, in good faith, and by appropriate proceedings; provided such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made or provided therefor.

4.16. Margin Stock. No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock. No part of the proceeds of the loans made to Borrowers will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock or for any purpose that violates the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors.

4.17. Governmental Regulation. No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to regulation under the Federal Power Act or the Investment Company Act of 1940 or under any other federal or state statute or regulation which may limit its ability to incur Indebtedness or which may otherwise render all or any portion of the Obligations unenforceable. No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is a “registered investment company” or a company “controlled” by a “registered investment company” or a “principal underwriter” of a “registered investment company” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

4.18. OFAC. No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any of the country or list based economic and trade sanctions administered and enforced by OFAC. No Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) is a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity, (b) has its assets located in Sanctioned Entities, or (c) derives revenues from investments in, or transactions with Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Entities. No proceeds of any loan made hereunder will be used to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity.

4.19. Employee and Labor Matters. There is (i) no unfair labor practice complaint pending or, to the knowledge of Borrowers, threatened against Parent or its Subsidiaries before any Governmental Authority and no grievance or arbitration proceeding pending or threatened against Parent or its Subsidiaries which arises out of or under any collective bargaining agreement and that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability, (ii) no strike, labor dispute, slowdown, stoppage or similar action or grievance pending or threatened in writing against Parent or its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability, or (iii) to the knowledge of Borrowers, after due inquiry, no union representation question existing with respect to the employees of Parent or its Subsidiaries and no union organizing activity taking place with respect to any of the employees of Parent or its Subsidiaries. None of Parent or its Subsidiaries has incurred any liability or obligation under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act or similar state law, which remains unpaid or unsatisfied. The hours worked and payments made to employees of Parent or its Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable legal requirements, except to the extent such violations could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. All material payments due from Parent or its Subsidiaries on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of Parent.

 

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4.20. Intentionally Omitted.

4.21. Leases. Each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries enjoy peaceful and undisturbed possession under all leases material to their business and to which they are parties or under which they are operating, and, subject to Permitted Protests, all of such material leases are valid and subsisting and no material default by the applicable Loan Party or its Subsidiaries exists under any of them.

4.22. Eligible Accounts. As to each Account that is identified by Borrowers as an Eligible Account in a Borrowing Base Certificate submitted to Co-Collateral Agents, such Account is (a) a bona fide existing payment obligation of the applicable Account Debtor created by the sale and delivery of Inventory or the rendition of services to such Account Debtor in the ordinary course of the Borrowers’ business, (b) owed to Borrowers without any known defenses, disputes, offsets, counterclaims, or rights of return or cancellation, and (c) not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the excluding criteria (other than Co-Collateral Agents-discretionary criteria) set forth in the definition of Eligible Accounts.

4.23. Eligible Inventory. As to each item of Inventory that is identified by the Borrowers as Eligible Inventory in a Borrowing Base Certificate submitted to Co-Collateral Agents, such Inventory is (a) of good and merchantable quality, free from known defects, and (b) not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the excluding criteria (other than Co-Collateral Agents-discretionary criteria) set forth in the definition of Eligible Inventory.

4.24. Location of Inventory. The Inventory of Borrowers is not stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party except to the extent permitted under Section 6.13 and is located only at, or in-transit between, the locations identified on Schedule 4.24 (as such Schedule may be updated pursuant to Section 5.14).

4.25. Inventory Records. Each Loan Party keeps correct and accurate records itemizing and describing the type, quality, and quantity of its and its Subsidiaries’ Inventory and the book value thereof.

4.26. Other Documents. Borrowers have delivered to Agent a complete and correct copy of the Split Lien Documents, including all schedules and exhibits thereto. The execution, delivery and performance of each of the Split Lien Documents has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Loan Parties.

4.27. Matters Relating to Liens and Property Rights. The entry of the Financing Order is effective to create in favor of Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, as security for the Obligations, (i) a valid first priority (other than with respect to the Permitted Priority Liens and the Carveout) Lien on all of the Collateral pursuant to Sections 364(c)(2), (c)(3) and (d) of the Bankruptcy Code and (ii) an allowed administrative expense in each of the Bankruptcy Cases having priority under Section 364(c)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code over all other administrative expenses (including, without limitation, such expenses specified in Sections 105, 326, 328, 330, 331, 365, 503(b), 506(c), 507(a), 507(b), 546(c), 726 and 1114 of the Bankruptcy Code), subject

 

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only to the Permitted Priority Liens and the Carveout (the “Superpriority Claims”). Except for the Financing Order, no authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required for either (x) the pledge or grant by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of the Liens purported to be created in favor of Agent pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents or (y) the exercise by Agent of any rights or remedies in respect of any Collateral (whether specifically granted or created pursuant to this Agreement, any of the Loan Documents or created or provided for by applicable law), except as may be required in connection with the disposition of any pledged Collateral by laws generally affecting the offering and sale of securities.

4.28. Budget. The Budget was prepared by Borrowers’ financial personnel and represents the good faith belief of such Persons at such time as to the probable course of Borrowers’ business and financial affairs, over the periods shown therein, subject to the assumptions stated therein.

4.29. Financing Order. The Financing Order is in full force and effect, is not subject to a pending appeal or motion for leave to appeal or other proceeding to set aside such order and has not been reversed, modified, amended, stayed or vacated except, in the case of non-material modifications, with Agent’s written consent and, in the case of other modifications, with each Lender’s written consent.

5. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

Each Borrower covenants and agrees that, until termination of all of the Commitments and payment in full of the Obligations:

5.1. Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates. Borrowers (a) will deliver to Agent, with copies to each Lender, each of the financial statements, reports, and other items set forth on Schedule 5.1 no later than the times specified therein, (b) agree that no Subsidiary of a Loan Party will have a fiscal year different from that of Borrowers, (c) agree to maintain a system of accounting that enables Borrowers to produce financial statements in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case of unaudited financial statements, for the lack of footnotes and being subject to year-end audit adjustments) and maintain records pertaining to the Collateral that contains information as from time to time that reasonably may be requested by Agent, and (d) agree that they will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, (i) keep a reporting system that shows all additions, sales, claims, returns, and allowances with respect to their and their Subsidiaries’ sales, and (ii) maintain their billing systems and practices substantially as in effect as of the Closing Date and shall only make material modifications thereto with notice to, and with the consent of, Agent.

5.2. Reporting. Borrowers (a) will deliver to Agent and Co-Collateral Agents (and if so requested by Agent, with copies for each Lender) each of the reports set forth on Schedule 5.2 at the times specified therein, and (b) agree to cooperate fully with Agent and Co-Collateral Agents to facilitate and implement a system of electronic collateral reporting in order to provide electronic reporting of each of the items set forth on such Schedule.

 

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5.3. Existence. Except as otherwise permitted under Section 6.4, Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, at all times preserve and keep in full force and effect such Person’s valid existence and good standing in its jurisdiction of organization and, except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, good standing with respect to all other jurisdictions in which it is qualified to do business and any rights, franchises, permits, licenses, accreditations, authorizations, or other approvals material to their businesses.

5.4. Maintenance of Properties. Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain and preserve all of its assets that are necessary or useful in the proper conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear, tear, casualty, and condemnation excepted.

5.5. Taxes. Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay in full before delinquency or before the expiration of any extension period (including any extension by virtue of the Bankruptcy Cases) all material governmental assessments and taxes with respect to periods after the Filing Date whether real, personal or otherwise, due and payable by, or imposed, levied, or assessed against it, or any of its assets, except to the extent that the validity of such governmental assessment or tax is the subject of a Permitted Protest.

5.6. Insurance. Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, at Borrowers’ expense, (a) maintain insurance respecting each of Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ assets wherever located, covering liabilities, losses or damages as are customarily are insured against by other Persons engaged in same or similar businesses and similarly situated and located. All such policies of insurance shall be with financially sound and reputable insurance companies acceptable to Agent and in such amounts as is carried generally in accordance with sound business practice by companies in similar businesses similarly situated and located and, in any event, in amount, adequacy, and scope reasonably satisfactory to Agent (it being agreed that the amount, adequacy, and scope of the policies of insurance of Borrowers in effect as of the Closing Date are acceptable to Agent). All property insurance policies covering the Collateral are to be made payable to Agent for the benefit of Agent and the Lenders, as their interests may appear, in case of loss, pursuant to a standard loss payable endorsement with a standard non-contributory “lender” or “secured party” clause and are to contain such other provisions as Agent may reasonably require to fully protect the Lenders’ interest in the Collateral and to any payments to be made under such policies. All certificates of property and general liability insurance are to be delivered to Agent, with the loss payable (but only in respect of Collateral) and additional insured endorsements in favor of Agent and shall provide for not less than 30 days (10 days in the case of non-payment) prior written notice to Agent of the exercise of any right of cancellation. If Parent or its Subsidiaries fail to maintain such insurance, Agent may arrange for such insurance, but at Borrowers’ expense and without any responsibility on Agent’s part for obtaining the insurance, the solvency of the insurance companies, the adequacy of the coverage, or the collection of claims. Administrative Borrower shall give Agent prompt notice of any loss exceeding $250,000 covered by its or its Subsidiaries’ property or business interruption insurance. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Agent shall have the sole right to file claims under any property insurance policies in respect of the Collateral, to receive, receipt and give acquittance for any payments that may be payable thereunder, and to execute any and all endorsements, receipts, releases, assignments, reassignments or other documents that may be necessary to effect the collection, compromise or settlement of any claims under any such insurance policies.

 

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5.7. Inspection.

(a) Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent, any Lender, and each of their respective duly authorized representatives or agents to visit any of its properties and inspect any of its assets or books and records, to examine and make copies of its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances, and accounts with, and to be advised as to the same by, its officers and employees (provided an authorized representative of Administrative Borrower shall be allowed to be present) at such reasonable times and intervals as Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent or any Lender, as applicable, may designate and, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, with reasonable prior notice to Administrative Borrower and during regular business hours.

(b) Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit Agent or Co-Collateral Agents and each of its duly authorized representatives or agents to conduct appraisals and valuations at such reasonable times and intervals and in such manner as Agent or Co-Collateral Agents may designate.

5.8. Compliance with Laws. Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any Governmental Authority, other than laws, rules, regulations, and orders the non-compliance with which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

5.9. Environmental. Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to,

(a) Keep any property either owned or operated by Parent or its Subsidiaries free of any Environmental Liens or post bonds or other financial assurances sufficient to satisfy the obligations or liability evidenced by such Environmental Liens,

(b) Comply, in all material respects, with Environmental Laws and provide to Agent documentation of such compliance which Agent reasonably requests,

(c) Promptly notify Agent of any release of which any Borrower has knowledge of a Hazardous Material in any reportable quantity from or onto property owned or operated by Parent or its Subsidiaries and take any Remedial Actions required to abate said release or otherwise to come into compliance, in all material respects, with applicable Environmental Law, and

(d) Promptly, but in any event within 5 Business Days of its receipt thereof, provide Agent with written notice of any of the following: (i) notice that an Environmental Lien has been filed against any of the real or personal property of Parent or its Subsidiaries, (ii) commencement of any Environmental Action or written notice that an Environmental Action will be filed against Parent or its Subsidiaries, and (iii) written notice of a violation, citation, or other administrative order from a Governmental Authority.

 

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5.10. Disclosure Updates. Borrowers will, promptly and in no event later than 5 Business Days after obtaining knowledge thereof, notify Agent if any written information, exhibit, or report furnished to Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent or the Lenders contained, at the time it was furnished, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading in light of the circumstances in which made. The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, any notification pursuant to the foregoing provision will not cure or remedy the effect of the prior untrue statement of a material fact or omission of any material fact nor shall any such notification have the effect of amending or modifying this Agreement or any of the Schedules hereto.

5.11. Intentionally omitted.

5.12. Further Assurances. Parent will, and will cause each of the other Loan Parties to, at any time upon the reasonable request of Agent, execute or deliver to Agent any and all financing statements, fixture filings, security agreements, pledges, assignments, mortgages, deeds of trust, opinions of counsel, and all other documents (the “Additional Documents”) that Agent may reasonably request in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, to create, perfect, and continue perfected or to better perfect Agent’s Liens in the assets of Parent and its Subsidiaries (whether now owned or hereafter arising or acquired, tangible or intangible, real or personal), to create and perfect Liens in favor of Agent in any Real Property acquired (x) in fee by any Loan Party with a fair market value in excess of $200,000 or (y) by lease, with respect to which the gross rental payments are in excess of $100,000 annually and for which the term of the leasehold (after giving effect to any renewals and extensions at the option of Loan Parties) is two years or longer, and in order to fully consummate all of the transactions contemplated hereby and under the other Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to any Subsidiary of Parent that is a CFC if providing such documents would result in adverse tax consequences or the costs to the Loan Parties of providing such documents are unreasonably excessive (as determined by Agent in consultation with Administrative Borrower) in relation to the benefits to Agent and the Lenders of the security afforded thereby. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, if any Loan Party refuses or fails to execute or deliver any reasonably requested Additional Documents within a reasonable period of time following the request to do so, each Loan Party hereby authorizes Agent to execute any such Additional Documents in the applicable Loan Party’s name and authorizes Agent to file such executed Additional Documents in any appropriate filing office. In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the foregoing, each Loan Party shall take such actions as Agent may reasonably request from time to time to ensure that the Obligations are guaranteed by the Guarantors and are secured by substantially all of the assets of Parent and its Subsidiaries, including all of the outstanding capital Equity Interests of Borrowers and Borrowers’ Subsidiaries (subject to exceptions and limitations contained in the Loan Documents with respect to CFCs).

5.13. Chief Restructuring Officer. Borrowers will continue to appoint, retain and engage the Chief Restructuring Officer on terms and conditions acceptable to the Agent, which will include, without limitation, assisting Borrowers in the management of their businesses, preparation of forecasts and projections, and the formulation and implementation of strategic initiatives in connection with the Bankruptcy Cases. Borrowers hereby and will continue to authorize and instruct the chief restructuring officer to (a) share with the Agent and Lenders all budgets, records, projections, financial information, reports and other information relating to the

 

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Collateral, the financial condition, operations and the sale, marketing or reorganization process of the Borrowers’ businesses and assets as requested from time to time, except to the extent access to such information would compromise the Borrowers’ attorney-client privilege and (b) make himself available to Agent, the Co-Collateral Agents and the Lenders as reasonably requested by the Agent, the Co-Collateral Agents and the Lenders. Borrowers will provide the chief restructuring officer, complete access to all of the Borrowers’ books and records, all of Borrowers’ premises and to Borrowers’ management as and when deemed necessary by the chief restructuring officer or the Agent.

5.14. Location of Inventory. Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep its Inventory only at the locations identified on Schedule 4.24 and their chief executive offices only at the locations identified on Schedule 4.24 as its chief executive office; provided, that Borrowers may amend Schedule 4.24 so long as such amendment occurs by written notice to Agents not less than 10 days prior to the date on which such Inventory is moved to such new location or such chief executive office is relocated and so long as such new location is within the continental United States.

5.15. Guarantor Reports. Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, cause each Guarantor to deliver its annual financial statements at the time when Borrowers provide their financial statements to Agent, but only to the extent such Guarantor’s financial statements are not consolidated with Borrowers’ financial statements.

5.16. Bankruptcy Transaction Milestones. Parent will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, cause the performance and delivery of the items set forth on Schedule 5.16 on or before the dates specified therein with respect to such items (the “Milestones”).

6. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

Each Borrower covenants and agrees that, until termination of all of the Commitments and payment in full of the Obligations:

6.1. Indebtedness. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume, suffer to exist, guarantee, or otherwise become or remain, directly or indirectly, liable with respect to any Indebtedness, except for Permitted Indebtedness. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to be or remain liable with respect to surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, completion guarantee or similar obligations (whether or not drawn) except for Permitted Surety Bonds in an aggregate amount not in excess of $30,000,000 at any time.

6.2. Liens. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, directly or indirectly, any Lien on or with respect to any of its assets, of any kind, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or any income or profits therefrom, except for Permitted Liens. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or other Loan Documents, Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist, directly or indirectly, any Lien with priority over the Liens created by the Loan Documents and Split Lien Loan Documents, except the Carveout.

 

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6.3. Restrictions on Fundamental Changes. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,

(a) enter into any merger, consolidation, reorganization, or recapitalization, or reclassify its Equity Interests,

(b) liquidate, wind up, or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution),

(c) suspend or cease operating a substantial portion of its or their business, or

(d) form any new Subsidiary without Agent’s prior written consent; provided, that, to the extent the Agent consents to the formation of any new Subsidiary, such new Subsidiary shall guaranty the Obligations and grant Liens on substantially all of its assets to secure the Obligations pursuant to documentation in form and substance acceptable to Agent.

6.4. Disposal of Assets. Other than Permitted Dispositions, Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to convey, sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of (or enter into an agreement to convey, sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of) any of its or their assets.

6.5. Nature of Business. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to make any change in the nature of its or their business as described in Schedule 6.5 or acquire any properties or assets that are not reasonably related to the conduct of such business activities; provided, that the foregoing shall not prevent Parent and its Subsidiaries from engaging in any business that is reasonably related or ancillary to its or their business.

6.6. Prepayments and Amendments. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,

(a) Except in connection with Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.1,

(i) optionally prepay, redeem, defease, purchase, or otherwise acquire any Indebtedness of Parent or its Subsidiaries (including the Indebtedness under the Split Lien Documents), other than (A) the Obligations in accordance with this Agreement, and (B) Permitted Intercompany Advances, or

(ii) make any payment on account of Indebtedness that has been contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations if such payment is not permitted at such time under the subordination terms and conditions applicable thereto, or

(b) Directly or indirectly, amend, modify, or change any of the terms or provisions of

(i) any agreement, instrument, document, indenture, or other writing evidencing or concerning Permitted Indebtedness other than (A) the Obligations in accordance with this Agreement, (B) the Split Lien Documents in accordance with the terms of the Split

 

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Lien Intercreditor Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof), (C) Permitted Intercompany Advances, and (D) ordinary course amendments, modifications and changes to Indebtedness permitted under clauses (d), (f), and (i) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness, or

(ii) the Governing Documents of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries if the effect thereof, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders.

6.7. Restricted Payments. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to make any Restricted Payment.

6.8. Accounting Methods. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to modify or change its fiscal year or its method of accounting (other than as may be required to conform to GAAP) or enter into, modify, or terminate any agreement currently existing, or at any time hereafter entered into with any third party accounting firm or service bureau for the preparation or storage of Parent or its Subsidiaries’ accounting records without said accounting firm or service bureau agreeing to provide Agent information regarding Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ financial condition.

6.9. Investments. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make or acquire any Investment or incur any liabilities (including contingent obligations) for or in connection with any Investment except for Permitted Investments.

6.10. Transactions with Affiliates. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any transaction with any Affiliate of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries except for:

(a) transactions (other than the payment of management, consulting, monitoring, or advisory fees) between Parent or its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any Affiliate of Parent or its Subsidiaries, on the other hand, so long as such transactions (i) are fully disclosed to Agent prior to the consummation thereof, if they involve one or more payments by Parent or its Subsidiaries in excess of $250,000 for any single transaction or series of related transactions, and (ii) are no less favorable, taken as a whole, to Parent or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, than would be obtained in an arm’s length transaction with a non-Affiliate,

(b) so long as it has been approved by Parent’s or its applicable Subsidiary’s board of directors (or comparable governing body) in accordance with applicable law, any indemnity provided for the benefit of directors (or comparable managers) of Parent or its applicable Subsidiary,

(c) so long as it has been approved by Parent’s or its applicable Subsidiary’s board of directors (or comparable governing body) in accordance with applicable law, the payment of reasonable compensation, severance, or employee benefit arrangements to employees, officers, and outside directors of Parent and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent with industry practice.

 

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Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, except for Permitted Intercompany Advances, no Loan Party shall enter into any transaction with, make any loan, advance or other Investment in, or otherwise transfer any property to any Subsidiary of Parent that is not a Loan Party.

6.11. Use of Proceeds. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to use the proceeds of any loan made hereunder for any purpose other than (a) on the Closing Date, (i) to pay the fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (ii) to fund working capital needs and general corporate purposes of Borrowers (including, without limitation, payments with respect to the Carveout and the Management Incentive Plan) and (iii) to provide payments of “adequate protection” (as set forth in Section 361 of the Bankruptcy Code) in favor of the Existing Lenders and (b) thereafter, consistent with the terms and conditions hereof, for their lawful and permitted purposes (including that no part of the proceeds of the loans made to Borrowers will be used to purchase or carry any such Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such Margin Stock or for any purpose that violates the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors), as permitted by, and consistent in all respects with, the Budget and the Financing Order, including, without limitation, to repay upon the entry of the Final Order, in full, the Existing Secured Obligations, including outstanding principal, accrued interest, and accrued fees and expenses owing under or in connection with the Existing Loan Agreement and other Existing Loan Documents.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to use the proceeds of any loan made hereunder or any proceeds of ABL Priority Collateral to be applied to (i) repay or prepay any of the Existing Split Lien Indebtedness or Split Lien Indebtedness (including any interest, fees, costs and expenses, tax or indemnification obligations), (ii) any Taxes incurred upon or as a result of the Disposition of Split Lien Priority Collateral or (iii) to affirmatively commence or support, or to pay any professional fees incurred to commence or support, any adversary proceeding, motion or other action that seeks to challenge, contest or otherwise seek to impair or object to the validity, extent enforceability or priority of the Liens, claims or rights in favor of Agent, any Lender, Existing Agent or any Existing Lender.

6.12. Limitation on Issuance of Equity Interests. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to issue or sell or enter into any agreement or arrangement for the issuance or sale of any of its Equity Interests.

6.13. Inventory at Bailees. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to store its Inventory at any time with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party except to the extent the aggregate amount of such Inventory does not exceed $38,000,000 during the period commencing on May 1st through September 30 of each year and does not exceed $10,000,000 at any other time.

 

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6.14. Financing Order; Administrative Expense Priority; Payments. Parent will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:

(a) seek, consent to or suffer to exist at any time any modification, stay, vacation or amendment of the Financing Order, except for non-material modifications and amendments joined in or agreed to in writing by Agent or material modifications and amendments joined in or agreed to in writing by Agent and each Lender;

(b) seek the use of “Cash Collateral” (as defined in the Financing Order) in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the Financing Order without, in the case of non-material deviations, the prior written consent of Agent and, in all other cases, the consent of each Lender;

(c) suffer to exist at any time a priority for any administrative expense or unsecured claim against any Borrower (now existing or hereafter arising of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any administrative expenses of the kind specified in Sections 105, 326, 328, 365, 503((b), 506(c), 507(a), 507(b), 546(c), 726, 1113 and 1114 of the Bankruptcy Code) or any super priority claim which is equal or superior to the priority of the Lender Group in respect of the Obligations, except for the amounts having a priority over the Obligations to the extent set forth in the definition of Carveout;

(d) suffer to exist at any time any Lien on any properties, assets or rights (including, without limitation, Accounts, Inventory and all other Collateral) except for Permitted Priority Liens;

(e) prior to the date on which the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash, all Letters of Credit have been cash collateralized or returned for cancellation pursuant to this Agreement, and this Agreement has been terminated, pay any administrative expenses, except administrative expenses incurred in the ordinary course of the business of Borrowers, in each case subject to the extent and having the order of priority set forth in the definition of Carveout; and

(f) notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrowers shall be permitted to pay as the same may become due and payable (i) administrative expenses of the kind specified in Section 503(b) of the Bankruptcy Code incurred in the ordinary course of business and to the extent otherwise authorized under the Financing Order and this Agreement and (ii) compensation and reimbursement of expenses to professionals allowed and payable under Sections 330 and 331 of the Bankruptcy Code to the extent permitted by the Financing Order.

6.15. Variance Test. Parent will not permit, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to permit:

(a) (i) the aggregate amount of the actual receipts of the type set forth in the line item “Collections” on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget during any first fiscal week of any fiscal month of the Administrative Borrower (the first such fiscal week ending on February 2, 2013) (each, a “Single Test Week”) to be less than 75% of the budgeted amount, or (ii) the average amount of such actual receipts in any rolling two fiscal week period of any fiscal month of the Administrative Borrower (for the avoidance of doubt, such rolling two fiscal week period ends on the end of the second, third, fourth and (if applicable) fifth fiscal week of each fiscal month) (each, a “Rolling Two Week Test Period”) to be less than 80% of the average budgeted amounts for such period, in each case of (i) and (ii), set forth in the line item “Collections” on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget;

 

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(b) the average amount of the actual disbursements of the type set forth in the line item “Payroll” on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget in any Rolling Two Week Test Period to exceed 110% of the average of the budgeted amounts for such period set forth in the line item “Payroll” on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget;

(c) (i) the aggregate amount of the actual disbursements of the type set forth in any of the line items “Debtor Professional Fees”, “Professional Fees for Unsecured Creditors”, “AP Disbursement” and “Total Disbursements” on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget in any Single Test Week to exceed 115% of the budgeted amount, or (ii) the average amount of each type of such disbursements in any Rolling Two Week Test Period to exceed 110% of the average of the budgeted amounts for such period, in each case of (i) and (ii), set forth in the corresponding line item “Debtor Professional Fees”, “Professional Fees for Unsecured Creditors”, “AP Disbursement” and “Total Disbursements” on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget;

(d) (i) the sum of the aggregate amounts of the actual disbursements of the types set forth in line items “Debtor Professional Fees”, “Professional Fees for Unsecured Creditors” and “Restructuring/Other Profess. Fees” on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget (the “Professional Fees Line Items”) in any Single Test Week to exceed 115% of sum of the budgeted amounts, or (ii) the average amount of the sum of such types of disbursements in any Rolling Two Week Test Period to exceed 110% of the average of the sum of the budgeted amounts for such period, in each case of (i) and (ii), set forth in the Professional Fees Line Items on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget, or

(e) (i) the aggregate amount of the actual net cash flows of the type set forth in any of the line items “Net Cash Flows” on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget during any Single Test Week to be (x) less than 85% of the budgeted amount if such budgeted amount is positive or (y) more than 115% of the budgeted amount if such budgeted amount is negative, or (ii) the average amount of such type of net cash flows in any Rolling Two Week Test Period to be less than 85% of the average of the budgeted amount of such period if such average is positive or (y) more than 115% of the average of the budgeted amount if such budgeted amount is negative, in each case of (i) and (ii), set forth in the corresponding line item “Net Cash Flows” on the accepted thirteen-week cash flow forecast under the Budget.

Notwithstanding the variance tests set forth in clauses (c) and (e) of this Section 6.15 and solely with respect to the variance tests set forth therein, (i) the fiscal week ending February 2, 2013 (“Week 1”) and the fiscal week ending February 9, 2013 (“Week 2”) in the Budget will be combined and treated as a Single Test Week and (ii) such tests with respect to any Rolling Two Week Test Period shall not apply until the end of the rolling three fiscal week period ending February 16, 2013 (and for the avoidance of doubt, will include the combined Week 1 and Week 2 referenced in (i) together with the fiscal week ending February 16, 2013 on a cumulative basis).

 

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7. [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an event of default (each, an “Event of Default”) under this Agreement:

8.1. Payments. If any Borrower fails to pay when due and payable, or when declared due and payable, (a) all or any portion of the Obligations consisting of interest, fees, or charges due the Lender Group, reimbursement of Lender Group Expenses, or other amounts (other than any portion thereof constituting principal) constituting Obligations (including any portion thereof that accrues after the commencement of the Bankruptcy Cases), and such failure continues for a period of 3 Business Days, (b) all or any portion of the principal of the Loans, (c) any amount payable to Issuing Lender in reimbursement of any drawing under a Letter of Credit, or (d) all or any portion of the Existing Secured Obligations as and when due and payable in accordance with the Financing Order.

8.2. Covenants. If any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries:

(a) fails to perform or observe any covenant or other agreement contained in any of (i) Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 (solely if a Loan Party is not in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization), 5.6, 5.7 (solely if a Loan Party refuses to allow Agent or its representatives or agents to visit such Loan Party’s properties, inspect its assets or books or records, examine and make copies of its books and records, or discuss such Loan Party’s affairs, finances, and accounts with officers and employees of such Loan Party), 5.10, 5.13, 5.14, 5.15 or 5.16 of this Agreement, (ii) Sections 6 of this Agreement, (iii) Section 7 of this Agreement, or (iv) Section 7 of the Guaranty and Security Agreement;

(b) fails to perform or observe any covenant or other agreement contained in any of Sections 5.3 (other than if a Loan Party is not in good standing in its jurisdiction of organization), 5.4, 5.5, 5.8, and 5.12 of this Agreement and such failure continues for a period of 10 days after the earlier of (i) the date on which such failure shall first become known to any officer of any Borrower or (ii) the date on which written notice thereof is given to Administrative Borrower by Agent; or

(c) fails to perform or observe any covenant or other agreement contained in this Agreement, or in any of the other Loan Documents, in each case, other than any such covenant or agreement that is the subject of another provision of this Section 8 (in which event such other provision of this Section 8 shall govern), and such failure continues for a period of 30 days after the earlier of (i) the date on which such failure shall first become known to any officer of any Borrower or (ii) the date on which written notice thereof is given to Administrative Borrower by Agent.

 

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8.3. Judgments. If, after the Filing Date, one or more judgments, orders, or awards for the payment of money involving an aggregate amount of $200,000, or more (except to the extent fully covered (other than to the extent of customary deductibles) by insurance pursuant to which the insurer has not denied coverage) is entered or filed against a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or with respect to any of their respective assets, and either (a) there is a period of 30

consecutive days at any time after the entry of any such judgment, order, or award during which (1) the same is not discharged, satisfied, vacated, or bonded pending appeal, or (2) a stay of enforcement thereof is not in effect, or (b) enforcement proceedings are commenced upon such judgment, order, or award;

8.4. Existing Loan Documents. If there is an “Event of Default” under and as defined in the Existing Loan Documents first arising after the Filing Date other than any default (x) arising prior to the Filing Date, (y) due to Borrowers’ filing, commencement and continuation of the Bankruptcy Cases and the events that customarily result from the filing, commencement and continuation of the Bankruptcy Cases (including any litigation resulting therefrom), or (z) due to restrictions on payments arising under the Bankruptcy Cases;

8.5. Intentionally Omitted.

8.6. Default Under Other Agreements. If, first arising after the Filing Date, there is (a) an “Event of Default” (as defined in the Split Lien Credit Agreement or the Existing Split Lien Credit Agreement), (b) a default in one or more agreements to which a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party with one or more third Persons relative to a Loan Party’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ Indebtedness involving an aggregate amount of $200,000 or more, and such default (i) occurs at the final maturity of the obligations thereunder, or (ii) results in a right by such third Person, irrespective of whether exercised, to accelerate the maturity of such Loan Party’s or its Subsidiary’s obligations thereunder, or (c) a default in or an involuntary early termination of one or more Hedge Agreements to which a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party involving an aggregate amount of $200,000 or more, other than (x) any default arising prior to the Filing Date, (y) due to Borrowers’ filing, commencement and continuation of the Bankruptcy Cases and any litigation arising therefrom, or (z) due to restrictions on payments arising as a result of the Bankruptcy Cases;

8.7. Representations, etc. If any warranty, representation, certificate, statement, or Record made herein or in any other Loan Document or delivered in writing to Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document proves to be untrue in any material respect (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representations and warranties that already are qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) as of the date of issuance or making or deemed making thereof;

8.8. Guaranty. If the obligation of any Guarantor under any guaranty of the Obligations is limited or terminated by operation of law or by such Guarantor (other than in accordance with the terms of this Agreement);

8.9. Security Documents. If Guaranty and Security Agreement or any other Loan Document that purports to create a Lien, shall, for any reason, fail or cease to create a valid and perfected and, except to the extent of Permitted Senior Liens, first priority Lien on the Collateral covered thereby, except (a) as a result of a disposition of the applicable Collateral in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or (b) as the result of an action or failure to act on the part of Agent;

 

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8.10. Loan Documents. The validity or enforceability of any Loan Document shall at any time for any reason (other than solely as the result of an action or failure to act on the part of Agent) be declared to be null and void, or a proceeding shall be commenced by a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, or by any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries, seeking to establish the invalidity or unenforceability thereof, or a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries shall deny that such Loan Party or its Subsidiaries has any liability or obligation purported to be created under any Loan Document;

8.11. Change in Control. A Change in Control shall occur, whether directly or indirectly; or

8.12. Bankruptcy Matters.

(a) If Parent or any Subsidiary makes any payment on account of any Indebtedness existing as of the Filing Date, except for any payments expressly authorized by the Financing Order and this Agreement or any payments set forth in the Budget and expressly authorized pursuant to any other order of the Bankruptcy Court not objected to by Agent within two (2) Business Days after Agent has received written notification thereof from Administrative Borrower;

(b) If the Final Order is not entered within thirty (30) days (or such other period as Agent and Required Lenders may agree to in writing) following entry of the Interim Order; or any Financing Order is stayed, revised, revoked, remanded, rescinded, amended, reversed, vacated, or modified in any manner not acceptable to, in the case of non-material modifications or revisions, the Agent and, in all other cases, each Lender;

(c) If an order with respect to any of the Bankruptcy Cases shall be entered by the Bankruptcy Court (i) appointing a trustee under Section 1104, or an examiner with enlarged powers relating to the operation of the business of the Loan Parties under Section 1106(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or (ii) terminating any Loan Party’s exclusive rights to file and solicit acceptances for its plan;

(d) Subject to the entry of the Final Order, if any Person other than a Borrower in connection with the Agreement or the Existing Loan Agreement shall assert any claim in an aggregate amount in excess of $50,000 in the any of the Bankruptcy Cases arising under Section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code against Agent, any Lender or the Collateral, and either (i) the same shall remain unopposed by the Borrower for more than 5 Business Days, or (ii) in any event, any such claim shall not be disallowed, dismissed or withdrawn, with prejudice, within 60 days after the assertion thereof;

(e) If any order is entered by the Bankruptcy Court sustaining any objection to the Existing Secured Obligations or any Existing Loan Document;

 

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(f) If (i) any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall attempt to invalidate, reduce or otherwise impair the Liens or security interests of Agent and the Lenders, claims or rights against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or to subject any Collateral to assessment pursuant to Section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) any Lien or security interest created by this Agreement or the Financing Order shall, for any reason, ceases to be valid or (iii) any action is commenced by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which contests the validity, perfection or enforceability of any of the Liens and security interests of Agent and the Lenders created by this Agreement or the Financing Order;

(g) If an order with respect to any of the Bankruptcy Cases shall be entered by the Bankruptcy Court converting any of the Bankruptcy Cases (or any case comprising part of any of the Bankruptcy Cases) to a case under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code;

(h) If any plan of reorganization is filed that, or an order shall be entered by the Bankruptcy Court confirming a reorganization plan in any of the Bankruptcy Cases which, does not (i) contain a provision for termination of this Agreement and the Existing Loan Agreement, the Letter of Credit Collateralization in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or return for cancellation of all Letters of Credit, the cash collateralization of all contingent obligations hereunder and the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Obligations and all Existing Secured Obligations (“Paid in Full”) in a manner satisfactory to the Agent on or before the effective date, or substantial consummation, of such plan; provided, that the foregoing shall not affect the right of each Lender, if any, to object to any plan of reorganization and (ii) provide for the continuation of the Liens and security interests granted to Agent and priorities until such plan effective date all Obligations and Existing Secured Obligations are Paid in Full;

(i) If an order shall be entered by the Bankruptcy Court dismissing the any of the Bankruptcy Cases which does not contain a provision for termination of this Agreement and the Existing Loan Agreement and the Obligations and Existing Secured Obligations are not Paid in Full on or before such dismissal;

(j) If an order with respect to any of the Bankruptcy Cases shall be entered, (i) without the express prior written consent of Agent, to revoke, vacate, reverse, stay, modify, supplement or amend this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, any Loan Document or the Financing Order, or (ii) unless in accordance with the Budget and with the express prior written consent of Agent, to permit any administrative expense or any claim (now existing or hereafter arising, of any kind or nature whatsoever) to have administrative priority as to Borrower’s equal or superior to the priority of the Lender Group in respect of the Obligations, except for the amounts having a priority over the Obligations to the extent set forth in the definition of Carveout;

(k) If an order shall be entered by the Bankruptcy Court granting relief from the automatic stay to any creditor(s) of Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent with respect to any claim in an amount equal to or exceeding $200,000 in the aggregate; provided, however, that it shall not be an Event of Default if relief from the automatic stay is granted (i) solely for the purpose of allowing such creditor to determine the liquidated amount of its claim against any such Person or (ii) to permit the commencement of or prosecution of a proceeding to collect solely against an insurance company;

 

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(l) If a motion shall be filed seeking authority, or an order shall be entered in any of the Bankruptcy Cases, that (a) permits Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent to incur Indebtedness secured by any claim under Bankruptcy Code Section 364(c)(1) or by a Lien pari passu with or superior to the Lien granted under the Loan Documents and the Existing Loan Documents and Bankruptcy Code Sections 364(c)(2) or (d), unless (i) all of the Obligations and Existing Secured Obligations have been Paid in Full at the time of the entry of any such order, or (ii) the Obligations and the Existing Secured Obligations are Paid in Full with such debt, or (b) permits Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent the right to use Collateral other than in accordance with the terms of the Financing Order, unless all of the Obligations and Existing Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full;

(m) Proceeds of any sale of all or substantially all assets of Borrowers are not directly remitted to Agent at the closing thereof, and the Obligations and the Secured Obligations are not Paid in Full in accordance with the terms of this Agreement from such proceeds;

(n) Any motions to sell Collateral or approve procedures regarding the same or any plan or disclosure statement or supplements or amendments thereto are not in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent, or any orders approving or amending any of the foregoing are not in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent and Co-Collateral Agents;

(o) If Parent or any Subsidiary of Parent challenges the extent, validity or priority of the Obligations or the Existing Secured Obligations or the application of any payments or collections received by Agent, Co-Collateral Agents or Lenders to the Obligations or Existing Secured Obligations as provided for herein; or any Loan Party challenges the validity, extent, perfection or priority of any Liens granted in the Collateral to secure the Obligations or the Existing Secured Obligations;

(p) If Lenders or the Collateral are surcharged pursuant to Sections 105, 506(c), 552 or any other section of the Bankruptcy Code;

(q) If the Chief Restructuring Officer is terminated or disqualified for any reason, and Borrowers have not appointed a replacement Chief Restructuring Officer reasonably acceptable to Agent within 7 days thereafter; or

(r) Any application for any of the orders described in this Section 8.12 shall be made by any Person other than Agent and such application is not contested in good faith by each applicable Loan Party, or if such relief is granted, such applicable Loan Party does not obtain a stay pending appeal of the entry of such order.

9. RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.

9.1. Rights and Remedies. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default and subject to any notice required under the Financing Orders, the Required Lenders (at their election but without notice of their election and without demand) may authorize and instruct Agent to do any one or more of the following on behalf of the Lender Group (and Agent, acting upon the instructions of the Required Lenders, shall do the same on behalf of the Lender Group), all of which are authorized by Borrowers:

 

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(a) (i) declare the principal of, and any and all accrued and unpaid interest and fees in respect of, the Loans and all other Obligations (other than the Bank Product Obligations), whether evidenced by this Agreement or by any of the other Loan Documents to be immediately due and payable, whereupon the same shall become and be immediately due and payable and Borrowers shall be obligated to repay all of such Obligations in full, without presentment, demand, protest, or further notice or other requirements of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrowers, (ii) terminate any Letter of Credit that may be terminated in accordance with its terms, and (iii) direct Borrowers to provide (and Borrowers agree that upon receipt of such notice it will provide) Letter of Credit Collateralization to Agent to be held as security for Borrowers’ reimbursement obligations for drawings that may subsequently occur under issued and outstanding Letters of Credit;

(b) cease advancing money or extending credit to or for the benefit of Borrowers under this Agreement, under any of the Loan Documents, or under any other agreement between Borrowers and the Lender Group;

(c) subject to the applicable terms, if any, of the Financing Order, terminate this Agreement and any of the other Loan Documents as to any future liability or obligation of the Lender Group, but without affecting any of the Agent’s Liens in the Collateral and without affecting the Obligations;

(d) subject to the applicable terms, if any, of the Financing Order, the Lender Group shall have all other rights and remedies available at law or in equity or pursuant to any other Loan Document; and

(e) exercise all other rights and remedies available to Agent or the Lenders under the Loan Documents, under applicable law, or in equity.

9.2. Remedies Cumulative. The rights and remedies of the Lender Group under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and all other agreements shall be cumulative. The Lender Group shall have all other rights and remedies not inconsistent herewith as provided under the Code, by law, or in equity. No exercise by the Lender Group of one right or remedy shall be deemed an election, and no waiver by the Lender Group of any Event of Default shall be deemed a continuing waiver. No delay by the Lender Group shall constitute a waiver, election, or acquiescence by it.

10. WAIVERS; INDEMNIFICATION.

10.1. Demand; Protest; etc. Each Borrower waives demand, protest, notice of protest, notice of default or dishonor, notice of payment and nonpayment, nonpayment at maturity, release, compromise, settlement, extension, or renewal of documents, instruments, chattel paper, and guarantees at any time held by the Lender Group on which any Borrower may in any way be liable.

 

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10.2. The Lender Group’s Liability for Collateral. Each Borrower hereby agrees that: (a) so long as Agent complies with its obligations, if any, under the Code, the Lender Group shall not in any way or manner be liable or responsible for: (i) the safekeeping of the Collateral, (ii) any loss or damage thereto occurring or arising in any manner or fashion from any cause, (iii) any diminution in the value thereof, or (iv) any act or default of any carrier, warehouseman, bailee, forwarding agency, or other Person, and (b) all risk of loss, damage, or destruction of the Collateral shall be borne by Borrowers.

10.3. Indemnification. Borrowers shall pay, indemnify, defend, and hold the Agent-Related Persons, the Lender-Related Persons, and each Participant (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless (to the fullest extent permitted by law) from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, investigations, proceedings, liabilities, fines, costs, penalties, and damages, and all reasonable fees and disbursements of attorneys, experts, or consultants and all other costs and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith or in connection with the enforcement of this indemnification (as and when they are incurred and irrespective of whether suit is brought), at any time asserted against, imposed upon, or incurred by any of them (a) in connection with or as a result of or related to the execution and delivery (provided that Borrowers shall not be liable for costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) of any Lender (other than WFCF and GECC) incurred in advising, structuring, drafting, reviewing, administering or syndicating the Loan Documents), enforcement, performance, or administration (including any restructuring or workout with respect hereto) of this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any Existing Loan Document, or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the monitoring of Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents (provided, that the indemnification in this clause (a) shall not extend to (i) disputes solely between or among the Lenders, (ii) disputes solely between or among the Lenders and their respective Affiliates; it being understood and agreed that the indemnification in this clause (a) shall extend to Agent (but not the Lenders) relative to disputes between or among Agent on the one hand, and one or more Lenders, or one or more of their Affiliates, on the other hand, or (iii) any Taxes or any costs attributable to Taxes, which shall be governed by Section 16), (b) with respect to any investigation, litigation, or proceeding related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any Existing Loan Document, or the use of the proceeds of the credit provided hereunder or under the Existing Loan Agreement (irrespective of whether any Indemnified Person is a party thereto), or any act, omission, event, or circumstance in any manner related thereto, and (c) in connection with or arising out of any presence or release of Hazardous Materials at, on, under, to or from any assets or properties owned, leased or operated by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or any Environmental Actions, Environmental Liabilities or Remedial Actions related in any way to any such assets or properties of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries (each and all of the foregoing, the “Indemnified Liabilities”). The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, Borrowers shall have no obligation to any Indemnified Person under this Section 10.3 with respect to any Indemnified Liability that a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person or its officers, directors, employees, attorneys, or agents. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the repayment in full of the Obligations. If any Indemnified Person makes any payment to any other Indemnified Person with respect to an Indemnified Liability as to which Borrowers were required to indemnify the Indemnified Person receiving such payment, the Indemnified Person making such payment is entitled to be indemnified and reimbursed by Borrowers with respect thereto. WITHOUT LIMITATION,

 

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THE FOREGOING INDEMNITY SHALL APPLY TO EACH INDEMNIFIED PERSON WITH RESPECT TO INDEMNIFIED LIABILITIES WHICH IN WHOLE OR IN PART ARE CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF ANY NEGLIGENT ACT OR OMISSION OF SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON OR OF ANY OTHER PERSON.

11. NOTICES.

Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices or demands relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be in writing and (except for financial statements and other informational documents which may be sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid) shall be personally delivered or sent by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested), overnight courier, electronic mail (at such email addresses as a party may designate in accordance herewith), or telefacsimile. In the case of notices or demands to any Borrower or Agent, as the case may be, they shall be sent to the respective address set forth below:

 

If to any Borrower:   

SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC.

W6316 Design Drive

Greenville, WI 54942

Attn: Chief Financial Officer

Fax No. 920 ###-###-####

with copies to:   

PAUL, WEISS, RIFKIND, WHARTON &

GARRISON LLP

1285 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10019-6064

Attn: Jeffrey D. Saferstein, Esq., Alan W. Kornberg,

Esq. and Elizabeth R. McColm, Esq.

Fax No. (212) 757-3990

and:   

GODFREY KAHN S.C.

780 North Water Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin ###-###-####

Attn: Dennis Connolly, Esq.

Fax No. (414) 273-5198

If to Agent:   

WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC

150 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2200

Chicago, Illinois 60603

Attn: Account Manager – School Specialty

Fax No. (312) 332-0429

with copies to:   

GOLDBERG KOHN LTD.

55 East Monroe Street, Suite 3300

Chicago, Illinois 60606

Attn: Randall L. Klein & Jeremy M. Downs

Fax No. (312) 332-2196

 

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If to GECC:   

GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL

CORPORATION

500 West Monroe

Chicago, Illinois 60661

Attn: Portfolio Manager – School Specialty

Fax No. (203) 956-4783

with copies to:   

WINSTON & STRAWN LLP

35 Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60601

Attn: Kevin M. Ryan, Esq. and

Brian I. Swett, Esq.

Fax No. (312) 558-5700

Any party hereto may change the address at which they are to receive notices hereunder, by notice in writing in the foregoing manner given to the other party. All notices or demands sent in accordance with this Section 11, shall be deemed received on the earlier of the date of actual receipt or 3 Business Days after the deposit thereof in the mail; provided, that (a) notices sent by overnight courier service shall be deemed to have been given when received, (b) notices 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) and (c) notices by electronic mail shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgment from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return email or other written acknowledgment).

12. CHOICE OF LAW AND VENUE; JURY TRIAL WAIVER; JUDICIAL REFERENCE PROVISION.

(a) THE VALIDITY OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED TO THE CONTRARY IN ANOTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN RESPECT OF SUCH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT), THE CONSTRUCTION, INTERPRETATION, AND ENFORCEMENT HEREOF AND THEREOF, THE RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO WITH RESPECT TO ALL MATTERS ARISING HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO OR THERETO, AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSIES OR DISPUTES ARISING HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER OR RELATED HERETO OR THERETO SHALL BE DETERMINED UNDER, GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND, TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE, THE BANKRUPTCY CODE.

(b) IF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT ABSTAINS FROM HEARING OR REFUSES TO EXERCISE JURISDICTION OVER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS SHALL BE TRIED AND LITIGATED ONLY IN THE STATE AND, TO THE EXTENT

 

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PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK; PROVIDED, THAT ANY SUIT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ANY COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE BROUGHT, AT AGENT’S OPTION, IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION WHERE AGENT ELECTS TO BRING SUCH ACTION OR WHERE SUCH COLLATERAL OR OTHER PROPERTY MAY BE FOUND. EACH BORROWER AND EACH MEMBER OF THE LENDER GROUP WAIVE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT EACH MAY HAVE TO ASSERT THE DOCTRINE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR TO OBJECT TO VENUE TO THE EXTENT ANY PROCEEDING IS BROUGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION 12(b).

(c) TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH BORROWER AND EACH MEMBER OF THE LENDER GROUP HEREBY WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS, IF ANY, TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF ANY OF THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREIN, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS (EACH A “CLAIM”). EACH BORROWER AND EACH MEMBER OF THE LENDER GROUP REPRESENT THAT EACH HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

(d) EACH BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK AND THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT. 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 ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT AGENT MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST ANY LOAN PARTY OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

(e) NO CLAIM MAY BE MADE BY ANY LOAN PARTY AGAINST THE AGENT, THE SWING LENDER, ANY OTHER LENDER, ISSUING LENDER, OR THE UNDERLYING ISSUER, OR ANY AFFILIATE, DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, COUNSEL, REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT, OR ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OF

 

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ANY OF THEM FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES IN RESPECT OF ANY CLAIM FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY ACT, OMISSION, OR EVENT OCCURRING IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, AND EACH LOAN PARTY HEREBY WAIVES, RELEASES, AND AGREES NOT TO SUE UPON ANY CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER OR NOT ACCRUED AND WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TO EXIST IN ITS FAVOR.

13. ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS; SUCCESSORS.

13.1. Assignments and Participations.

(a) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in clause (a)(ii) below, any Lender may assign and delegate all or any portion of its rights and duties under the Loan Documents (including the Obligations owed to it and its Commitments) to one or more assignees so long as such prospective assignee is an Eligible Transferee (each, an “Assignee”), with the prior written consent (such consent not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and such consent not to be required in connection with the exercise of any purchase right under Section 10 of the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement) of:

(A) Administrative Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, that no consent of Administrative Borrower shall be required (1) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, or (2) in connection with an assignment to a Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate (other than natural persons) of a Lender or a Related Fund; provided further, that Administrative Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to a proposed assignment unless it objects thereto by written notice to Agent within 5 Business Days after having received notice thereof; and

(B) Agent, Swing Lender, and Issuing Lender; provided, that no consent of Agent, Swing Lender or Issuing Lender shall be required in connection with an assignment to a Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate (other than natural persons) of a Lender or a Related Fund.

(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(A) no assignment may be made to a natural person,

(B) no assignment may be made to a Loan Party or an Affiliate of a Loan Party,

(C) the amount of the Commitments and the other rights and obligations of the assigning Lender hereunder and under the other Loan Documents subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment is delivered to Agent) shall be in a minimum amount (unless waived by Agent) of $5,000,000 (except such minimum amount shall not apply to (I) an assignment or delegation

 

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by any Lender to any other Lender, an Affiliate of any Lender, or a Related Fund of such Lender or (II) a group of new Lenders, each of which is an Affiliate of each other or a Related Fund of such new Lender to the extent that the aggregate amount to be assigned to all such new Lenders is at least $5,000,000);

(D) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement;

(E) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to Agent an Assignment and Acceptance; provided, that Borrowers and Agents may continue to deal solely and directly with the assigning Lender in connection with the interest so assigned to an Assignee until written notice of such assignment, together with payment instructions, addresses, and related information with respect to the Assignee, have been given to Administrative Borrower and Agent by such Lender and the Assignee.

(F) unless waived by Agent, the assigning Lender or Assignee has paid to Agent, for Agent’s separate account, a processing fee in the amount of $3,500 (for the avoidance of doubt, neither the assigning Lender nor Assignee may seek reimbursement of such fee from a Credit Party); provided, that, with respect to any assignment pursuant to Section 14.2, such fee, if applicable, shall not be paid by assigning Lender; and

(G) the assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in a form approved by Agent (the “Administrative Questionnaire”).

(b) From and after the date that Agent receives the executed Assignment and Acceptance and, if applicable, payment of the required processing fee, (i) the Assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, shall be a “Lender” and shall have the rights and obligations of a Lender under the Loan Documents, and (ii) the assigning Lender shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights (except with respect to Section 10.3) and be released from any future obligations under this Agreement (and in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto and thereto); provided, that nothing contained herein shall release any assigning Lender from obligations that survive the termination of this Agreement, including such assigning Lender’s obligations under Section 15 and Section 17.9(a).

(c) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the assigning Lender thereunder and the Assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other Loan Document furnished pursuant hereto, (ii) such assigning

 

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Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of any Loan Party or the performance or observance by any Loan Party of any of its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document furnished pursuant hereto, (iii) such Assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance, (iv) such Assignee will, independently and without reliance upon Agent, such assigning Lender 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 this Agreement, (v) such Assignee appoints and authorizes Agent to take such actions and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to Agent, by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto, and (vi) such Assignee agrees that it will perform all of the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

(d) Immediately upon Agent’s receipt of the required processing fee, if applicable, and delivery of notice to the assigning Lender pursuant to Section 13.1(b), this Agreement shall be deemed to be amended to the extent, but only to the extent, necessary to reflect the addition of the Assignee and the resulting adjustment of the Commitments arising therefrom. The Commitment allocated to each Assignee shall reduce such Commitments of the assigning Lender pro tanto.

(e) Any Lender may at any time sell to one or more commercial banks, financial institutions, or other Persons (a “Participant”) participating interests in all or any portion of its Obligations, its Commitment, and the other rights and interests of that Lender (the “Originating Lender”) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided, that (i) the Originating Lender shall remain a “Lender” for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the Participant receiving the participating interest in the Obligations, the Commitments, and the other rights and interests of the Originating Lender hereunder shall not constitute a “Lender” hereunder or under the other Loan Documents and the Originating Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) the Originating Lender shall remain solely responsible for the performance of such obligations, (iii) Borrowers, Agent, and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with the Originating Lender in connection with the Originating Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (iv) no Lender shall transfer or grant any participating interest under which the Participant has the right to approve any amendment to, or any consent or waiver with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except to the extent such amendment to, or consent or waiver with respect to this Agreement or of any other Loan Document would (A) extend the final maturity date of the Obligations hereunder in which such Participant is participating, (B) reduce the interest rate applicable to the Obligations hereunder in which such Participant is participating, (C) release all or substantially all of the Collateral or guaranties (except to the extent expressly provided herein or in any of the Loan Documents) supporting the Obligations hereunder in which such Participant is participating, (D) postpone the payment of, or reduce the amount of, the interest or fees payable to such Participant through such Lender (other than a waiver of default interest), or (E) decreases the amount or postpones the due dates of scheduled principal repayments or prepayments or premiums payable to such Participant through such Lender, (v) no participation shall be sold to a natural person, (vi) no participation shall be sold to

 

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a Loan Party or an Affiliate of a Loan Party, and (vii) all amounts payable by Borrowers hereunder shall be determined as if such Lender had not sold such participation, except that, if amounts outstanding under this Agreement are due and unpaid, or shall have been declared or shall have become due and payable upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, each Participant shall be deemed to have the right of set off in respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under this Agreement to the same extent as if the amount of its participating interest were owing directly to it as a Lender under this Agreement. The rights of any Participant only shall be derivative through the Originating Lender with whom such Participant participates and no Participant shall have any rights under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any direct rights as to the other Lenders, Agent, Borrowers, the Collateral, or otherwise in respect of the Obligations. No Participant shall have the right to participate directly in the making of decisions by the Lenders among themselves.

(f) In connection with any such assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation or any grant of a security interest in, or pledge of, its rights under and interest in this Agreement, a Lender may, subject to the provisions of Section 17.9, disclose all documents and information which it now or hereafter may have relating to Parent and its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses.

(g) Any other provision in this Agreement notwithstanding, any Lender may at any time create a security interest in, or pledge, all or any portion of its rights under and interest in this Agreement in favor of any Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with Regulation A of the Federal Reserve Bank or U.S. Treasury Regulation 31 CFR §203.24, and such Federal Reserve Bank may enforce such pledge or security interest in any manner permitted under applicable law.

(h) Agent (as a non-fiduciary agent on behalf of Borrowers) shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, a register (the “Register”) on which it enters the name and address of each Lender as the registered owner of the Revolver Commitments (and the principal amount thereof and stated interest thereon) held by such Lender (each, a “Registered Loan”). Other than in connection with an assignment by a Lender of all or any portion of its portion of the Revolver Commitments to an Affiliate of such Lender or a Related Fund of such Lender (i) a Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) may be assigned or sold in whole or in part only by registration of such assignment or sale on the Register (and each registered note shall expressly so provide) and (ii) any assignment or sale of all or part of such Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) may be effected only by registration of such assignment or sale on the Register, together with the surrender of the registered note, if any, evidencing the same duly endorsed by (or accompanied by a written instrument of assignment or sale duly executed by) the holder of such registered note, whereupon, at the request of the designated assignee(s) or transferee(s), one or more new registered notes in the same aggregate principal amount shall be issued to the designated assignee(s) or transferee(s). Prior to the registration of assignment or sale of any Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any evidencing the same), Borrowers shall treat the Person in whose name such Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) is registered as the owner thereof for the purpose of receiving all payments thereon and for all other purposes, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. In the case of any assignment by a Lender of all or any portion of its Revolver Commitments to an Affiliate of such Lender or a Related Fund of such Lender, and which assignment is not recorded in the Register, the assigning Lender, on behalf of Borrowers, shall maintain a register comparable to the Register.

 

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(i) In the event that a Lender sells participations in the Registered Loan, such Lender, as a non-fiduciary agent on behalf of Borrowers, shall maintain (or cause to be maintained) a register on which it enters the name of all participants in the Registered Loans held by it (and the principal amount (and stated interest thereon) of the portion of such Registered Loans that is subject to such participations) (the “Participant Register”). A Registered Loan (and the Registered Note, if any, evidencing the same) may be participated in whole or in part only by registration of such participation on the Participant Register (and each registered note shall expressly so provide). Any participation of such Registered Loan (and the registered note, if any, evidencing the same) may be effected only by the registration of such participation on the Participant Register.

(j) Agent shall make a copy of the Register (and each Lender shall make a copy of its Participant Register in the extent it has one) available for review by Borrowers from time to time as Borrowers may reasonably request.

13.2. Successors. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of each of the parties; provided, that no Borrower may assign this Agreement or any rights or duties hereunder without the Lenders’ prior written consent and any prohibited assignment shall be absolutely void ab initio. No consent to assignment by the Lenders shall release any Borrower from its Obligations. A Lender may assign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and its rights and duties hereunder and thereunder pursuant to Section 13.1 and, except as expressly required pursuant to Section 13.1, no consent or approval by any Loan Party is required in connection with any such assignment.

14. AMENDMENTS; WAIVERS.

14.1. Amendments and Waivers.

(a) No amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than Bank Product Agreements or the Fee Letter), and no consent with respect to any departure by Borrowers therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Required Lenders (or by Agent at the written request of the Required Lenders) and the Loan Parties that are party thereto and then any such waiver or consent shall be effective, but only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, that:

(i) no such waiver, amendment, or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all of the Lenders directly affected thereby and all of the Loan Parties that are party thereto, do any of the following:

(A) increase the amount of or extend the expiration date of any Commitment of any Lender or amend, modify, or eliminate the last sentence of Section 2.4(c),

 

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(B) postpone or delay any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees, or other amounts due hereunder or under any other Loan Document, and

(C) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest on, any loan or other extension of credit hereunder, or reduce any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document (except in connection with the waiver of applicability of Section 2.6(c) (which waiver shall be effective with the written consent of the Required Lenders),

(ii) no such waiver, amendment, or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all of the Lenders and all of the Loan Parties that are party thereto, do any of the following:

(A) amend, modify, or eliminate this Section or any provision of this Agreement providing for consent or other action by all Lenders,

(B) amend, modify, or eliminate Section 3.1 or 3.2,

(C) amend, modify, or eliminate Section 15.11,

(D) other than as permitted by Section 15.11, release Agent’s Lien in and to any of the Collateral,

(E) amend, modify, or eliminate the definitions of “Required Lenders” or “Pro Rata Share”,

(F) contractually subordinate any of Agent’s Liens,

(G) other than in connection with a merger, liquidation, dissolution or sale of such Person expressly permitted by the terms hereof or the other Loan Documents, release any Borrower or any Guarantor from any obligation for the payment of money or consent to the assignment or transfer by any Borrower or any Guarantor of any of its rights or duties under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents,

(H) amend, modify, or eliminate any of the provisions of Section 2.4(b)(i) or (ii),

(I) amend, modify, or eliminate items 4, 5 or 6 set forth on Schedule 5.16, or

(J) amend, modify, or eliminate any of the provisions of Section 13.1 with respect to assignments to, or participations with, Persons who are Loan Parties or Affiliates of Loan Parties,

(K) amend, modify, or eliminate the definition of “Budget,”

(L) amend, modify, or eliminate the definition of Availability Reserve,

 

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(M) amend, modify, supplement, alter or eliminate any of the provisions of Section 5.16 or Schedule 5.16 or waive any default or Event of Default in connection with Section 5.16,

(N) amend, modify, supplement, alter or eliminate any of the provisions of Section 6.15 or waive any default or Event of Default in connection with Section 6.15, or

(O) amend, modify, supplement, alter or eliminate Section 8.6(a) or waive any default or Event of Default in connection with Section 8.6(a) that arises on account of the occurrence of a Split Lien Termination Date.

(b) No amendment, waiver, modification, or consent shall amend, modify, waive, or eliminate,

(i) the definition of, or any of the terms or provisions of, the Fee Letter, without the written consent of Agent and Borrowers (and shall not require the written consent of any of the Lenders),

(ii) any provision of Section 15 pertaining to Agent, or any other rights or duties of Agent under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, without the written consent of Agent, Borrowers, and the Required Lenders, or

(iii) any provision of Section 15 pertaining to Co-Collateral Agents, or any other rights or duties of Co-Collateral Agents under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, without the written consent of each Co-Collateral Agent, Borrowers, and the Required Lenders,

(c) No amendment, waiver, modification, elimination, or consent shall, without written consent of Borrowers and each Lender (i) modify, or eliminate the definition of Borrowing Base or any of the defined terms (including the definitions of Eligible Accounts, and Eligible Inventory) that are used in such definition to the extent that any such change results in more credit being made available to Borrowers based upon the Borrowing Base, but not otherwise, or the definition of Maximum Revolver Amount or (ii) amend, modify or waive Section 2.1(c),

(d) No amendment, waiver, modification, elimination, or consent shall amend, modify, or waive any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents pertaining to Issuing Lender, or any other rights or duties of Issuing Lender or Underlying Issuer under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, without the written consent of Issuing Lender, Agent, Borrowers, and the Required Lenders,

(e) No amendment, waiver, modification, elimination, or consent shall amend, modify, or waive any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents pertaining to Swing Lender, or any other rights or duties of Swing Lender under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, without the written consent of Swing Lender, Agent, Borrowers, and the Required Lenders,

 

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(f) Anything in this Section 14.1 to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) any amendment, modification, elimination, waiver, consent, termination, or release of, or with respect to, any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document that relates only to the relationship of the Lender Group among themselves, and that does not affect the rights or obligations of any Borrower, shall not require consent by or the agreement of any Loan Party, and (ii) any amendment, waiver, modification, elimination, or consent of or with respect to any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document may be entered into without the consent of, or over the objection of, any Defaulting Lender other than any of the matters governed by Section 14.1(a)(i) that affect such Lender.

14.2. Replacement of Certain Lenders.

(a) If (i) any action to be taken by the Lender Group or Agent hereunder requires the consent, authorization, or agreement of all Lenders or all Lenders affected thereby and if such action has received the consent, authorization, or agreement of the Required Lenders but not of all Lenders or all Lenders affected thereby, or (ii) any Lender makes a claim for compensation under Section 16, then Borrowers or Agent, upon at least 5 Business Days prior irrevocable notice, may permanently replace any Lender that failed to give its consent, authorization, or agreement (a “Non-Consenting Lender”) or any Lender that made a claim for compensation (a “Tax Lender”) with one or more Replacement Lenders, and the Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, shall have no right to refuse to be replaced hereunder. Such notice to replace the Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, shall specify an effective date for such replacement, which date shall not be later than 15 Business Days after the date such notice is given.

(b) Prior to the effective date of such replacement, the Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, and each Replacement Lender shall execute and deliver an Assignment and Acceptance, subject only to the Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, being repaid in full its share of the outstanding Obligations (without any premium or penalty of any kind whatsoever, but including (i) all interest, fees and other amounts that may be due in payable in respect thereof, and (ii) an assumption of its Pro Rata Share of participations in the Letters of Credit). If the Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, shall refuse or fail to execute and deliver any such Assignment and Acceptance prior to the effective date of such replacement, Agent may, but shall not be required to, execute and deliver such Assignment and Acceptance in the name or and on behalf of the Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, and irrespective of whether Agent executes and delivers such Assignment and Acceptance, the Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Acceptance. The replacement of any Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, shall be made in accordance with the terms of Section 13.1. Until such time as one or more Replacement Lenders shall have acquired all of the Obligations, the Commitments, and the other rights and obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Non-Consenting Lender or Tax Lender, as applicable, shall remain obligated to make the Non-Consenting Lender’s or Tax Lender’s, as applicable, Pro Rata Share of Revolving Loans and to purchase a participation in each Letter of Credit, in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share of participations in such Letters of Credit.

 

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14.3. No Waivers; Cumulative Remedies. No failure by Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent or any Lender to exercise any right, remedy, or option under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or delay by Agent or any Lender in exercising the same, will operate as a waiver thereof. No waiver by Agent or any Lender will be effective unless it is in writing, and then only to the extent specifically stated. No waiver by Agent or any Lender on any occasion shall affect or diminish Agent’s and each Lender’s rights thereafter to require strict performance by Borrowers of any provision of this Agreement. Agent’s, each Co-Collateral Agent’s and each Lender’s rights under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents will be cumulative and not exclusive of any other right or remedy that Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent or any Lender may have.

15. AGENT; THE LENDER GROUP.

15.1. Appointment and Authorization of Agent.

(a) Each Lender hereby designates and appoints WFCF as its agent and each of WFCF and GECC as its co-collateral agents under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to designate, appoint, and authorize) Agent and each Co-Collateral Agent to execute and deliver each of the other Loan Documents on its behalf and to take such other action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to Agent and each Co-Collateral Agent by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Agent agrees to act as agent for and on behalf of the Lenders (and the Bank Product Providers) and each Co-Collateral Agent agrees to act as a co-collateral agent for and on behalf of the Lenders (and the Bank Product Providers) on the conditions contained in this Section 15. Any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document notwithstanding, neither Agent nor any Co-Collateral Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein or in the other Loan Documents, nor shall Agent nor any Co-Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender (or Bank Product Provider), and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against Agent or any Co-Collateral Agent, as the case may be. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the use of the term “agent” and “co-collateral agent” in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents with reference to Agent or any Co-Collateral Agent, as the case may be, 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 merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only a representative relationship between independent contracting parties. Each Lender hereby further authorizes (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to authorize) Agent to act as the secured party under each of the Loan Documents that create a Lien on any item of Collateral. Except as expressly otherwise provided in this Agreement, Agent shall have and may use its sole discretion with respect to exercising or refraining from exercising any discretionary rights or taking or refraining from taking any actions that Agent expressly is entitled to take or assert under or pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Except as expressly otherwise provided in this Agreement, each Co-Collateral Agent shall have and may use its sole

 

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discretion with respect to exercising or refraining from exercising any discretionary rights or taking or refraining from taking any actions that Co-Collateral Agent expressly is entitled to take or assert under or pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, or of any other provision of the Loan Documents that provides rights or powers to Agent or any Co-Collateral Agent, as the case may be, Lenders agree that Agent shall have the right to exercise the following powers as long as this Agreement remains in effect: (a) maintain, in accordance with its customary business practices, ledgers and records reflecting the status of the Obligations, the Collateral, payments and proceeds of Collateral, and related matters, (b) execute or file any and all financing or similar statements or notices, amendments, renewals, supplements, documents, instruments, proofs of claim, notices and other written agreements with respect to the Loan Documents, (c) make Revolving Loans, for itself or on behalf of Lenders, as provided in the Loan Documents, (d) exclusively receive, apply, and distribute the Collections of the Loan Parties as provided in the Loan Documents, (e) open and maintain such bank accounts and cash management arrangements as Agent deems necessary and appropriate in accordance with the Loan Documents for the foregoing purposes, (f) perform, exercise, and enforce any and all other rights and remedies of the Lender Group with respect to Borrowers or their Subsidiaries, the Obligations, the Collateral, the Collections of the Loan Parties, or otherwise related to any of same as provided in the Loan Documents, and (g) incur and pay such Lender Group Expenses as Agent may deem necessary or appropriate for the performance and fulfillment of its functions and powers pursuant to the Loan Documents.

(b) With respect to any action or determination to be taken or made by the Co-Collateral Agents hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, Co-Collateral Agents hereby agree to seek, in good faith, to reach a consensus decision for such action or determination. If Co-Collateral Agents are unable to agree on the action to be taken or the determination to be made, the determination or action shall be made by the Co-Collateral Agent either asserting the more conservative credit judgment (that is, that would result in the least amount of credit being available to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries under this Agreement) or declining to permit the requested action for which consent is being sought by the Borrowers, as applicable.

15.2. Delegation of Duties. Agent and each Co-Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document by or through agents, employees or attorneys in fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. Neither Agent nor any Co-Collateral Agent shall be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or attorney in fact that it selects as long as such selection was made without gross negligence or willful misconduct.

15.3. Liability of Agent. None of the Agent-Related Persons shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct), or (b) be responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders (or Bank Product Providers) for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, or any officer or director thereof, contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by Agent or any Co-Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity,

 

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effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for any failure of Parent or its Subsidiaries or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Lenders (or Bank Product Providers) to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the books and records or properties of Parent or its Subsidiaries.

15.4. Reliance by Agents. Agent and each Co-Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission, telex or telephone message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent, or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to Borrowers or counsel to any Lender), independent accountants and other experts selected by Agent or such Co-Collateral Agent, as applicable. Agent and each Co-Collateral Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless Agent or such Co-Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Lenders as it deems appropriate and until such instructions are received, Agent or such Co-Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall act, or refrain from acting, as it deems advisable. If Agent or any Co-Collateral Agent so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its reasonable satisfaction by the Lenders (and, if it so elects, the Bank Product Providers) against any and all liability and expense that may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Required Lenders and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Lenders (and Bank Product Providers).

15.5. Notice of Default or Event of Default. Neither Agent nor any Co-Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, except, in the case of Agent, with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest, fees, and expenses required to be paid to Agent for the account of the Lenders and, except with respect to Events of Default of which Agent has actual knowledge, unless Agent and Co-Collateral Agents shall have received written notice from a Lender or Administrative Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default, and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.” Agent promptly will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice or of any Event of Default of which Agent has actual knowledge. If any Lender obtains actual knowledge of any Event of Default, such Lender promptly shall notify the other Lenders and Agents of such Event of Default. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for giving any notices to its Participants, if any. Subject to Section 15.4, Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as may be requested by the Required Lenders in accordance with Section 9; provided, however, that unless and until Agent has received any such request, Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable.

 

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15.6. Credit Decision. Each Lender (and Bank Product Provider) acknowledges that none of the Agent-Related Persons has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by Agent or any Co-Collateral Agent hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of Parent and its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender (or Bank Product Provider). Each Lender represents (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to represent) to Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such due diligence, documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of any Borrower or any other Person party to a Loan Document, and all applicable bank regulatory laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to Borrowers. Each Lender also represents (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to represent) that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of any Borrower or any other Person party to a Loan Document. Except for notices, reports, and other documents expressly herein required to be furnished to the Lenders by Agent, neither Agent nor any Co-Collateral Agent shall have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender (or Bank Product Provider) with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any Borrower or any other Person party to a Loan Document that may come into the possession of any of the Agent-Related Persons. Each Lender acknowledges (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to acknowledge) that neither Agent nor any Co-Collateral Agent has any duty or responsibility, either initially or on a continuing basis (except to the extent, if any, that is expressly specified herein) to provide such Lender (or Bank Product Provider) with any credit or other information with respect to Borrowers, their Affiliates or any of their respective business, legal, financial or other affairs, and irrespective of whether such information came into Agent’s or any Co-Collateral Agent’s or their respective Affiliates’ or representatives’ possession before or after the date on which such Lender became a party to this Agreement (or such Bank Product Provider entered into a Bank Product Agreement).

15.7. Costs and Expenses; Indemnification. Agents may incur and pay Lender Group Expenses to the extent they reasonably deem necessary or appropriate for the performance and fulfillment of their functions, powers, and obligations pursuant to the Loan Documents, including court costs, attorneys fees and expenses, fees and expenses of financial accountants, advisors, consultants, and appraisers, costs of collection by outside collection agencies, auctioneer fees and expenses, and costs of security guards or insurance premiums paid to maintain the Collateral, whether or not Borrowers are obligated to reimburse Agents or Lenders for such expenses pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise. Agent is authorized and directed to deduct and retain sufficient amounts from payments or proceeds of the Collateral received by Agent to reimburse Agents for such out-of-pocket costs and expenses prior to the distribution of any amounts to Lenders (or Bank Product Providers). In the event Agent or any Co-Collateral Agent is not reimbursed for such costs and expenses by Parent or its Subsidiaries, each Lender hereby agrees that it is and shall be obligated to pay to Agent or such Co-Collateral Agent, as

 

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applicable, such Lender’s ratable thereof. Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, each of the Lenders, on a ratable basis, shall indemnify and defend the Agent-Related Persons (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of Borrowers and without limiting the obligation of Borrowers to do so) from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities; provided, however, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting solely from such Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct nor shall any Lender be liable for the obligations of any Defaulting Lender in failing to make a Revolving Loan or other extension of credit hereunder. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse Agent and such Co-Collateral Agent upon demand for such Lender’s ratable share of any costs or out of pocket expenses (including attorneys, accountants, advisors, and consultants fees and expenses) incurred by Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment, or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the extent that Agent or such Co-Collateral Agent, as applicable, is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of Borrowers. The undertaking in this Section shall survive the payment of all Obligations hereunder and the resignation or replacement of Agent.

15.8. Agent in Individual Capacity.

(a) WFCF and its Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, provide Bank Products to, acquire equity interests in, and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting, or other business with Parent and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and any other Person party to any Loan Document as though WFCF were not Agent hereunder, and, in each case, without notice to or consent of the other members of the Lender Group. The other members of the Lender Group acknowledge (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to acknowledge) that, pursuant to such activities, WFCF or its Affiliates may receive information regarding Parent or its Affiliates or any other Person party to any Loan Documents that is subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of Parent or such other Person and that prohibit the disclosure of such information to the Lenders (or Bank Product Providers), and the Lenders acknowledge (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to acknowledge) that, in such circumstances (and in the absence of a waiver of such confidentiality obligations, which waiver Agent will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain), Agent shall not be under any obligation to provide such information to them. The terms “Lender” and “Lenders” include WFCF in its individual capacity.

(b) GECC and its Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, provide Bank Products to, acquire equity interests in, and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting, or other business with Parent and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and any other Person party to any Loan Document as though GECC were not a Co-Collateral Agent hereunder, and, in each case, without notice to or consent of the other members of the Lender Group. The other members of the Lender Group acknowledge (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to acknowledge) that, pursuant to such activities, GECC or its Affiliates may receive information regarding Parent or its Affiliates or any other Person party to any Loan Documents that is subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of Parent or such other

 

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Person and that prohibit the disclosure of such information to the Lenders (or Bank Product Providers), and the Lenders acknowledge (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to acknowledge) that, in such circumstances (and in the absence of a waiver of such confidentiality obligations, which waiver GECC will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain), GECC in its capacity as Co-Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to provide such information to them. The terms “Lender” and “Lenders” include GECC in its individual capacity.

15.9. Successor Agent. Agent may resign as Agent upon 30 days (10 days if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) prior written notice to the Lenders (unless such notice is waived by the Required Lenders) and Administrative Borrower (unless such notice is waived by Administrative Borrower or an Event of Default exists) and without any notice to the Bank Product Providers. If Agent resigns under this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall be entitled, with (so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) the consent of Administrative Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned), appoint a successor Agent for the Lenders (and the Bank Product Providers). If, at the time that Agent’s resignation is effective, it is acting as a Co-Collateral Agent, as Issuing Lender or the Swing Lender, such resignation shall also operate to effectuate its resignation as a Co-Collateral Agent, Issuing Lender or the Swing Lender, as applicable, and it shall automatically be relieved of any further obligation or duties as a Co-Collateral Agent, to issue Letters of Credit, to cause the Underlying Issuer to issue Letters of Credit, or to make Swing Loans. If no successor Agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation of Agent, Agent may appoint, after consulting with the Lenders and Administrative Borrower, a successor Agent. If Agent has materially breached or failed to perform any material provision of this Agreement or of applicable law, the Required Lenders may agree in writing to remove and replace Agent with a successor Agent from among the Lenders with (so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing) the consent of Administrative Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed, or conditioned). In any such event, upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor Agent hereunder, such successor Agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers, and duties of the retiring Agent and the term “Agent” shall mean such successor Agent and the retiring Agent’s appointment, powers, and duties as Agent shall be terminated. After any retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Section 15 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this Agreement. If no successor Agent has accepted appointment as Agent by the date which is 30 days following a retiring Agent’s notice of resignation, the retiring Agent’s resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the Lenders shall perform all of the duties of Agent hereunder (other than the duties of a Co-Collateral Agent) until such time, if any, as the Lenders appoint a successor Agent as provided for above.

15.10. Lender in Individual Capacity. Any Lender and its respective Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, provide Bank Products to, acquire Equity Interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting, or other business with Parent and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and any other Person party to any Loan Documents as though such Lender were not a Lender hereunder without notice to or consent of the other members of the Lender Group (or the Bank Product Providers). The other members of the Lender Group acknowledge (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to acknowledge) that,

 

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pursuant to such activities, such Lender and its respective Affiliates may receive information regarding Parent or its Affiliates or any other Person party to any Loan Documents that is subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of Parent or such other Person and that prohibit the disclosure of such information to the Lenders, and the Lenders acknowledge (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to acknowledge) that, in such circumstances (and in the absence of a waiver of such confidentiality obligations, which waiver such Lender will use its reasonable best efforts to obtain), such Lender shall not be under any obligation to provide such information to them.

15.11. Collateral Matters.

(a) The Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to authorize) Agent to release any Lien on any Collateral (i) upon the termination of the Commitments and payment and satisfaction in full by Borrowers of all of the Obligations, (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if a release is required or desirable in connection therewith and if Administrative Borrower certifies to Agent that the sale or disposition is permitted under Section 6.4 (and Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), (iii) constituting property in which Parent or its Subsidiaries owned no interest at the time Agent’s Lien was granted nor at any time thereafter, or (iv) constituting property leased to Parent or its Subsidiaries under a lease that has expired or is terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement. The Loan Parties and the Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to authorize) Agent, based upon the instruction of the Required Lenders, to (a) consent to, credit bid or purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, (b) credit bid or purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral at any sale or other disposition thereof conducted under the provisions of the Code, including pursuant to Sections 9-610 or 9-620 of the Code, or (c) credit bid or purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral at any other sale or foreclosure conducted by Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid or purchase, (i) the Obligations owed to the Lenders and the Bank Product Providers shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims being estimated for such purpose if the fixing or liquidation thereof would not unduly delay the ability of Agent to credit bid or purchase at such sale or other disposition of the Collateral and, if such claims cannot be estimated without unduly delaying the ability of Agent to credit bid, then such claims shall be disregarded, not credit bid, and not entitled to any interest in the asset or assets purchased by means of such credit bid) and the Lenders and the Bank Product Providers whose Obligations are credit bid shall be entitled to receive interests (ratably based upon the proportion of their Obligations credit bid in relation to the aggregate amount of Obligations so credit bid) in the asset or assets so purchased (or in the Equity Interests of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are used to consummate such purchase), and (ii) Agent, based upon the instruction of the Required Lenders, may accept non-cash consideration, including debt and equity securities issued by such acquisition vehicle or vehicles and in connection therewith Agent may reduce the Obligations owed to the Lenders and the Bank Product Providers (ratably based upon the proportion of their Obligations credit bid in

 

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relation to the aggregate amount of Obligations so credit bid) based upon the value of such non-cash consideration. Except as provided above, Agent will not execute and deliver a release of any Lien on any Collateral without the prior written authorization of (y) if the release is of all or substantially all of the Collateral, all of the Lenders (without requiring the authorization of the Bank Product Providers), or (z) otherwise, the Required Lenders (without requiring the authorization of the Bank Product Providers). Upon request by Agent or Administrative Borrower at any time, the Lenders will (and if so requested, the Bank Product Providers will) confirm in writing Agent’s authority to release any such Liens on particular types or items of Collateral pursuant to this Section 15.11; provided, that (1) Agent shall not be required to execute any document necessary to evidence such release on terms that, in Agent’s opinion, would expose Agent to liability or create any obligation or entail any consequence other than the release of such Lien without recourse, representation, or warranty, and (2) such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of any Loan Party in respect of) all interests retained by any Loan Party, including, the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. The Lenders further hereby irrevocably authorize (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to authorize) Agent, at its option and in its sole discretion, to subordinate any Lien granted to or held by Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Permitted Lien on such property if such Permitted Lien secures Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness.

(b) Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any of the Lenders (or the Bank Product Providers) to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by Parent or its Subsidiaries or is cared for, protected, or insured or has been encumbered, or that Agent’s Liens have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected, or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or that any particular items of Collateral meet the eligibility criteria applicable in respect thereof or whether to impose, maintain, reduce, or eliminate any particular reserve hereunder or whether the amount of any such reserve is appropriate or not, or to exercise at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care, disclosure or fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities and powers granted or available to Agent pursuant to any of the Loan Documents, it being understood and agreed that in respect of the Collateral, or any act, omission, or event related thereto, subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, Agent may act in any manner it may deem appropriate, in its sole discretion given Agent’s own interest in the Collateral in its capacity as one of the Lenders and that Agent shall have no other duty or liability whatsoever to any Lender (or Bank Product Provider) as to any of the foregoing, except as otherwise provided herein.

15.12. Restrictions on Actions by Lenders; Sharing of Payments.

(a) Each of the Lenders agrees that it shall not, without the express written consent of Agent, and that it shall, to the extent it is lawfully entitled to do so, upon the written request of Agent, set off against the Obligations, any amounts owing by such Lender to Parent or its Subsidiaries or any deposit accounts of Parent or its Subsidiaries now or hereafter maintained with such Lender. Each of the Lenders further agrees that it shall not, unless specifically requested to do so in writing by Agent, take or cause to be taken any action, including, the commencement of any legal or equitable proceedings to enforce any Loan Document against any Borrower or any Guarantor or to foreclose any Lien on, or otherwise enforce any security interest in, any of the Collateral.

 

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(b) If, at any time or times any Lender shall receive (i) by payment, foreclosure, setoff, or otherwise, any proceeds of Collateral or any payments with respect to the Obligations, except for any such proceeds or payments received by such Lender from Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, or (ii) payments from Agent in excess of such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of all such distributions by Agent, such Lender promptly shall (A) turn the same over to Agent, in kind, and with such endorsements as may be required to negotiate the same to Agent, or in immediately available funds, as applicable, for the account of all of the Lenders and for application to the Obligations in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement, or (B) purchase, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in the Obligations owed to the other Lenders so that such excess payment received shall be applied ratably as among the Lenders in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares; provided, that to the extent that such excess payment received by the purchasing party is thereafter recovered from it, those purchases of participations shall be rescinded in whole or in part, as applicable, and the applicable portion of the purchase price paid therefor shall be returned to such purchasing party, but without interest except to the extent that such purchasing party is required to pay interest in connection with the recovery of the excess payment.

15.13. Agency for Perfection. Agent hereby appoints each other Lender (and each Bank Product Provider) as its agent (and each Lender hereby accepts (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to accept) such appointment) for the purpose of perfecting Agent’s Liens in assets which, in accordance with Article 8 or Article 9, as applicable, of the Code can be perfected by possession or control. Should any Lender obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify Agent thereof, and, promptly upon Agent’s request therefor shall deliver possession or control of such Collateral to Agent or in accordance with Agent’s instructions.

15.14. Payments by Agent to the Lenders. All payments to be made by Agent to the Lenders (or Bank Product Providers) shall be made by bank wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to such wire transfer instructions as each party may designate for itself by written notice to Agent. Concurrently with each such payment, Agent shall identify whether such payment (or any portion thereof) represents principal, premium, fees, or interest of the Obligations.

15.15. Concerning the Collateral and Related Loan Documents. Each member of the Lender Group authorizes and directs Agent to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Each member of the Lender Group agrees (and by entering into a Bank Product Agreement, each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed to agree) that any action taken by Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents relating to the Collateral and the exercise by Agent of its powers set forth therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all of the Lenders (and such Bank Product Provider).

 

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15.16. Field Examination Reports; Confidentiality; Disclaimers by Lenders; Other Reports and Information. By becoming a party to this Agreement, each Lender:

(a) is deemed to have requested that Agent furnish such Lender, promptly after it becomes available, a copy of each field examination report respecting Parent or its Subsidiaries (each, a “Report”) prepared by or at the request of Agent or any Co-Collateral Agent, and Agent shall so furnish each Lender with such Reports,

(b) expressly agrees and acknowledges that Agent and each Co-Collateral Agent does not (i) make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any Report, and (ii) shall not be liable for any information contained in any Report,

(c) expressly agrees and acknowledges that the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, that Agent, or Co-Collateral Agents or other party performing any field examination will inspect only specific information regarding Parent and its Subsidiaries and will rely significantly upon Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ books and records, as well as on representations of Borrowers’ personnel,

(d) agrees to keep all Reports and other material, non-public information regarding Parent and its Subsidiaries and their operations, assets, and existing and contemplated business plans in a confidential manner in accordance with Section 17.9, and

(e) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, agrees: (i) to hold Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent and any other Lender preparing a Report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may take or fail to take or any conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any Report in connection with any loans or other credit accommodations that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to Borrowers, or the indemnifying Lender’s participation in, or the indemnifying Lender’s purchase of, a loan or loans of Borrowers, and (ii) to pay and protect, and indemnify, defend and hold Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent and any such other Lender preparing a Report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including, attorneys’ fees and costs) incurred by Agent, any such Co-Collateral Agent and any such other Lender preparing a Report as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender.

(f) In addition to the foregoing, (x) any Lender may from time to time request of Agent in writing that Agent provide to such Lender a copy of any report or document provided by Parent or its Subsidiaries to Agent that has not been contemporaneously provided by Parent or such Subsidiary to such Lender, and, upon receipt of such request, Agent promptly shall provide a copy of same to such Lender, (y) to the extent that Agent is entitled, under any provision of the Loan Documents, to request additional reports or information from Parent or its Subsidiaries, any Lender may, from time to time, reasonably request Agent to exercise such right as specified in such Lender’s notice to Agent, whereupon Agent promptly shall request of Administrative Borrower the additional reports or information reasonably specified by such Lender, and, upon receipt thereof from Parent or such Subsidiary, Agent promptly shall provide a copy of same to such Lender, and (z) any time that Agent renders to Borrowers a statement regarding the Loan Account, Agent shall send a copy of such statement to each Lender.

 

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15.17. Several Obligations; No Liability. Notwithstanding that certain of the Loan Documents now or hereafter may have been or will be executed only by or in favor of Agent in its capacity as such, and not by or in favor of the Lenders, any and all obligations on the part of Agent (if any) to make any credit available hereunder shall constitute the several (and not joint) obligations of the respective Lenders on a ratable basis, according to their respective Commitments, to make an amount of such credit not to exceed, in principal amount, at any one time outstanding, the amount of their respective Commitments. Nothing contained herein shall confer upon any Lender any interest in, or subject any Lender to any liability for, or in respect of, the business, assets, profits, losses, or liabilities of any other Lender. Each Lender shall be solely responsible for notifying its Participants of any matters relating to the Loan Documents to the extent any such notice may be required, and no Lender shall have any obligation, duty, or liability to any Participant of any other Lender. Except as provided in Section 15.7, no member of the Lender Group shall have any liability for the acts of any other member of the Lender Group. No Lender shall be responsible to any Borrower or any other Person for any failure by any other Lender (or Bank Product Provider) to fulfill its obligations to make credit available hereunder, nor to advance for such Lender (or Bank Product Provider) or on its behalf, nor to take any other action on behalf of such Lender (or Bank Product Provider) hereunder or in connection with the financing contemplated herein.

15.18. Co-Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent and Joint Book Runners. Each of the Co-Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent and Joint Book Runners, in such capacities, shall not have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility, or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to it in its capacity as a Lender, as Agent, as Swing Lender, or as Issuing Lender. Without limiting the foregoing, each of the Co-Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent and Joint Book Runners, in such capacities, shall not have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or any Loan Party. Each Lender, Agent, Swing Lender, Issuing Lender, and each Loan Party acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on the Co-Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent and Joint Book Runners in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder. Each of the Co-Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent and Joint Book Runners, in such capacities, shall be entitled to resign at any time by giving notice to Agent and Borrowers.

16. WITHHOLDING TAXES.

16.1. Payments. All payments made by Borrowers hereunder or under any note or other Loan Document will be made without setoff, counterclaim, or other defense. In addition, all such payments will be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, any present or future Indemnified Taxes, and in the event any deduction or withholding of Indemnified Taxes is required, Borrowers shall comply with the next sentence of this Section 16.1. If any Indemnified Taxes are so levied or imposed, Borrowers agree to pay the full amount of such Indemnified Taxes and such additional amounts as may be necessary so that every payment of all amounts due under this Agreement, any note, or Loan Document, including any amount paid pursuant to this Section 16.1 after withholding or deduction for or on account of any Indemnified Taxes, will not be less than the amount provided for herein; provided, that Borrowers shall not be required to increase any such amounts to the extent that the increase in such amount payable results from Agent’s or such Lender’s own willful misconduct or gross negligence (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction). Borrowers will furnish

 

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to Agent as promptly as possible after the date the payment of any Indemnified Tax is due pursuant to applicable law, certified copies of tax receipts evidencing such payment by Borrowers. Borrowers agree to pay any present or future stamp, value added or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges, or similar levies that arise from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, performance, recordation, or filing of, or otherwise with respect to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

16.2. Exemptions.

(a) If a Lender or Participant is entitled to claim an exemption or reduction from United States withholding tax, such Lender or Participant agrees with and in favor of Agent, to deliver to Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation only) one of the following before receiving its first payment under this Agreement:

(i) if such Lender or Participant is entitled to claim an exemption from United States withholding tax pursuant to the portfolio interest exception, (A) a statement of the Lender or Participant, signed under penalty of perjury, that it is not a (I) a “bank” as described in Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the IRC, (II) a 10% shareholder of any Borrower (within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the IRC), or (III) a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the IRC, and (B) a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8IMY (with proper attachments);

(ii) if such Lender or Participant is entitled to claim an exemption from, or a reduction of, withholding tax under a United States tax treaty, a properly completed and executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN;

(iii) if such Lender or Participant is entitled to claim that interest paid under this Agreement is exempt from United States withholding tax because it is effectively connected with a United States trade or business of such Lender, a properly completed and executed copy of IRS Form W-8ECI;

(iv) if such Lender or Participant is entitled to claim that interest paid under this Agreement is exempt from United States withholding tax because such Lender or Participant serves as an intermediary, a properly completed and executed copy of IRS Form W-8IMY (with proper attachments); or

(v) a properly completed and executed copy of any other form or forms, including IRS Form W-9, as may be required under the IRC or other laws of the United States as a condition to exemption from, or reduction of, United States withholding or backup withholding tax.

(b) Each Lender or Participant shall provide new forms (or successor forms) upon the expiration or obsolescence of any previously delivered forms and to promptly notify Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation only) of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

 

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(c) If a Lender or Participant claims an exemption from withholding tax in a jurisdiction other than the United States, such Lender or such Participant agrees with and in favor of Agent, to deliver to Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation only) any such form or forms, as may be required under the laws of such jurisdiction as a condition to exemption from, or reduction of, foreign withholding or backup withholding tax before receiving its first payment under this Agreement, but only if such Lender or such Participant is legally able to deliver such forms, provided, that nothing in this Section 16.2(c) shall require a Lender or Participant to disclose any information that it deems to be confidential (including without limitation, its tax returns). Each Lender and each Participant shall provide new forms (or successor forms) upon the expiration or obsolescence of any previously delivered forms and to promptly notify Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation only) of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

(d) If a Lender or Participant claims exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax and such Lender or Participant sells, assigns, grants a participation in, or otherwise transfers all or part of the Obligations of Borrowers to such Lender or Participant, such Lender or Participant agrees to notify Agent (or, in the case of a sale of a participation interest, to the Lender granting the participation only) of the percentage amount in which it is no longer the beneficial owner of Obligations of Borrowers to such Lender or Participant. To the extent of such percentage amount, Agent will treat such Lender’s or such Participant’s documentation provided pursuant to Section 16.2(a) or 16.2(c) as no longer valid. With respect to such percentage amount, such Participant or Assignee may provide new documentation, pursuant to Section 16.2(a) or 16.2(c), if applicable. Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of this Section 16 with respect to its participation in any portion of the Commitments and the Obligations so long as such Participant complies with the obligations set forth in this Section 16 with respect thereto.

16.3. Reductions.

(a) If a Lender or a Participant is entitled to a reduction in the applicable withholding tax, Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation) may withhold from any interest payment to such Lender or such Participant an amount equivalent to the applicable withholding tax after taking into account such reduction. If the forms or other documentation required by Section 16.2(a) or 16.2(c) are not delivered to Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation), then Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation) may withhold from any interest payment to such Lender or such Participant not providing such forms or other documentation an amount equivalent to the applicable withholding tax.

(b) If the IRS or any other Governmental Authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation) did not properly withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender or any Participant due to a failure on the part of the Lender or any Participant (because the appropriate form was not delivered, was not properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify Agent (or such Participant failed to notify the Lender granting the participation) of a change in circumstances which rendered the exemption from, or reduction of,

 

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withholding tax ineffective, or for any other reason) such Lender shall indemnify and hold Agent harmless (or, in the case of a Participant, such Participant shall indemnify and hold the Lender granting the participation harmless) for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation), as tax or otherwise, including penalties and interest, and including any taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the amounts payable to Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender granting the participation only) under this Section 16, together with all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses). The obligation of the Lenders and the Participants under this subsection shall survive the payment of all Obligations and the resignation or replacement of Agent.

16.4. Refunds. If Agent or a Lender determines, in its sole discretion in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Indemnified Taxes to which Borrowers have paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 16, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, it shall pay over such refund to Borrowers (but only to the extent of payments made, or additional amounts paid, by Borrowers under this Section 16 with respect to Indemnified Taxes giving rise to such a refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of Agent or such Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the applicable Governmental Authority with respect to such a refund); provided, that Borrowers, upon the request of Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to Borrowers (plus any penalties, interest or other charges, imposed by the applicable Governmental Authority, other than such penalties, interest or other charges imposed as a result of the willful misconduct or gross negligence of Agent hereunder) to Agent or such Lender in the event Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 16 shall not be construed to require Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information which it deems confidential) to any Borrower or any other Person.

16.5. Tax Indemnity. The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Indemnified Person (as defined in Section 10.3) (collectively a “Tax Indemnitee”) (but with respect to a Participant subject to the last sentence of Section 16.2(d)) for the full amount of Taxes or other taxes arising in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, without limitation, any Taxes or other taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 16) paid by such Tax Indemnitee and all reasonable fees and disbursements of attorneys, experts, or consultants and all other out-of-pocket costs and expenses actually incurred in connection therewith or in connection with the enforcement of this indemnification, as and when they are incurred and irrespective of whether suit is brought, whether or not such Taxes or such other taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority (other than Taxes or such other taxes resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Tax Indemnitee as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction and any tax imposed on the net income or net profits of any Indemnified Person (including any branch profits taxes)). This Section 16.5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the repayment of the Obligations.

 

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17. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

17.1. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall be binding and deemed effective when executed by Borrowers, Agent, each Co-Collateral Agent, and each Lender whose signature is provided for on the signature pages hereof.

17.2. Section Headings. Headings and numbers have been set forth herein for convenience only. Unless the contrary is compelled by the context, everything contained in each Section applies equally to this entire Agreement.

17.3. Interpretation. Neither this Agreement nor any uncertainty or ambiguity herein shall be construed against the Lender Group or any Borrower, whether under any rule of construction or otherwise. On the contrary, this Agreement has been reviewed by all parties and shall be construed and interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of the words used so as to accomplish fairly the purposes and intentions of all parties hereto.

17.4. Severability of Provisions. Each provision of this Agreement shall be severable from every other provision of this Agreement for the purpose of determining the legal enforceability of any specific provision.

17.5. Bank Product Providers. Each Bank Product Provider shall be deemed a third party beneficiary hereof and of the provisions of the other Loan Documents for purposes of any reference in a Loan Document to the parties for whom Agent is acting. Agent hereby agrees to act as agent for such Bank Product Providers and, by virtue of entering into a Bank Product Agreement, the applicable Bank Product Provider shall be automatically deemed to have appointed Agent as its agent and to have accepted the benefits of the Loan Documents; it being understood and agreed that the rights and benefits of each Bank Product Provider under the Loan Documents consist exclusively of such Bank Product Provider’s being a beneficiary of the Liens and security interests (and, if applicable, guarantees) granted to Agent and the right to share in payments and collections out of the Collateral as more fully set forth herein. In addition, each Bank Product Provider, by virtue of entering into a Bank Product Agreement, shall be automatically deemed to have agreed that Co-Collateral Agents shall have the right, but shall have no obligation, to establish, maintain, relax, or release reserves in respect of the Bank Product Obligations and that if reserves are established there is no obligation on the part of Co-Collateral Agents to determine or insure whether the amount of any such reserve is appropriate or not. In connection with any such distribution of payments or proceeds of Collateral, Agent shall be entitled to assume no amounts are due or owing to any Bank Product Provider unless such Bank Product Provider has provided a written certification (setting forth a reasonably detailed calculation) to Agent as to the amounts that are due and owing to it and such written certification is received by Agent a reasonable period of time prior to the making of such distribution. Agent shall have no obligation to calculate the amount due and payable with respect to any Bank Products, but may rely upon the written certification of the amount due and payable from the applicable Bank Product Provider. In the absence of an updated certification, Agent shall be entitled to assume that the amount due and payable to the applicable Bank Product Provider is the amount last certified to Agent by such Bank Product Provider as being due and payable (less any distributions made to such Bank Product Provider on account thereof). Borrowers may obtain Bank Products from any Bank Product Provider, although no Borrower is

 

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required to do so. Borrowers acknowledge and agree that no Bank Product Provider has committed to provide any Bank Products and that the providing of Bank Products by any Bank Product Provider is in the sole and absolute discretion of such Bank Product Provider. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, no provider or holder of any Bank Product shall have any voting or approval rights hereunder (or be deemed a Lender) solely by virtue of its status as the provider or holder of such agreements or products or the Obligations owing thereunder, nor shall the consent of any such provider or holder be required (other than in their capacities as Lenders, to the extent applicable) for any matter hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, including as to any matter relating to the Collateral or the release of Collateral or Guarantors.

17.6. Debtor-Creditor Relationship. The relationship between the Lenders and Agent, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other hand, is solely that of creditor and debtor. No member of the Lender Group has (or shall be deemed to have) any fiduciary relationship or duty to any Loan Party arising out of or in connection with the Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby, and there is no agency or joint venture relationship between the members of the Lender Group, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other hand, by virtue of any Loan Document or any transaction contemplated therein.

17.7. Counterparts; Electronic Execution. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties on separate counterparts, each of which, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission shall be equally as effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement. Any party delivering an executed counterpart of this Agreement by telefacsimile or other electronic method of transmission also shall deliver an original executed counterpart of this Agreement but the failure to deliver an original executed counterpart shall not affect the validity, enforceability, and binding effect of this Agreement. The foregoing shall apply to each other Loan Document mutatis mutandis.

17.8. Revival and Reinstatement of Obligations; Certain Waivers.

If the incurrence or payment of the Obligations by any Loan Party or the transfer to the Lender Group of any property should for any reason subsequently be asserted, or declared, to be void or voidable under any state or federal law relating to creditors’ rights, including provisions of the Bankruptcy Code relating to fraudulent conveyances, preferences, or other voidable or recoverable payments of money or transfers of property (each, a “Voidable Transfer”), and if the Lender Group is required to repay or restore, in whole or in part, any such Voidable Transfer, or elects to do so upon the advice of counsel, then, as to any such Voidable Transfer, or the amount thereof that the Lender Group is required or elects to repay or restore, and as to all reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees of the Lender Group related thereto, the liability of Loan Parties automatically shall be revived, reinstated, and restored and shall exist as though such Voidable Transfer had never been made.

 

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17.9. Confidentiality.

(a) Agent and Lenders each individually (and not jointly or jointly and severally) agree that material, non-public information regarding Parent and its Subsidiaries, their operations, assets, and existing and contemplated business plans (“Confidential Information”) shall be treated by Agent and the Lenders in a confidential manner, and shall not be disclosed by Agent and the Lenders to Persons who are not parties to this Agreement, except: (i) to attorneys for and other advisors, accountants, auditors, and consultants to any member of the Lender Group and to employees, directors and officers of any member of the Lender Group (the Persons in this clause (i), “Lender Group Representatives”) on a “need to know” basis in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and on a confidential basis, (ii) to Subsidiaries and Affiliates of any member of the Lender Group (including the Bank Product Providers), provided that any such Subsidiary or Affiliate shall have agreed to receive such information hereunder subject to the terms of this Section 17.9, (iii) as may be required by regulatory authorities so long as such authorities are informed of the confidential nature of such information, (iv) as may be required by statute, decision, or judicial or administrative order, rule, or regulation; provided that (x) prior to any disclosure under this clause (iv), the disclosing party agrees to provide Administrative Borrower with prior notice thereof, to the extent that it is practicable to do so and to the extent that the disclosing party is permitted to provide such prior notice to Administrative Borrower pursuant to the terms of the applicable statute, decision, or judicial or administrative order, rule, or regulation and (y) any disclosure under this clause (iv) shall be limited to the portion of the Confidential Information as may be required by such statute, decision, or judicial or administrative order, rule, or regulation, (v) as may be agreed to in advance in writing by Administrative Borrower, (vi) as requested or required by any Governmental Authority pursuant to any subpoena or other legal process, provided, that, (x) prior to any disclosure under this clause (vi) the disclosing party agrees to provide Administrative Borrower with prior written notice thereof, to the extent that it is practicable to do so and to the extent that the disclosing party is permitted to provide such prior written notice to Administrative Borrower pursuant to the terms of the subpoena or other legal process and (y) any disclosure under this clause (vi) shall be limited to the portion of the Confidential Information as may be required by such Governmental Authority pursuant to such subpoena or other legal process, (vii) as to any such information that is or becomes generally available to the public (other than as a result of prohibited disclosure by Agent or the Lenders or the Lender Group Representatives), (viii) in connection with any assignment, participation or pledge of any Lender’s interest under this Agreement, provided that prior to receipt of Confidential Information any such assignee, participant, or pledgee shall have agreed in writing to receive such Confidential Information hereunder subject to the terms of this Section, (ix) in connection with any litigation or other adversary proceeding involving parties hereto which such litigation or adversary proceeding involves claims related to the rights or duties of such parties under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided, that, prior to any disclosure to any Person (other than any Loan Party, Agent, any Lender, any of their respective Affiliates, or their respective counsel) under this clause (ix) with respect to litigation involving any Person (other than any Borrower, Agent, any Lender, any of their respective Affiliates, or their respective counsel), the disclosing party agrees to provide Administrative Borrower with prior written notice thereof, and (x) in connection with, and to the extent reasonably necessary for, the exercise of any secured creditor remedy under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document.

 

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(b) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, Agent may disclose information concerning the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to loan syndication and pricing reporting services or in its marketing or promotional materials, with such information to consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such publications or marketing or promotional materials and may otherwise use the name, logos, and other insignia of any Borrower or the other Loan Parties and the Commitments provided hereunder in any “tombstone” or other advertisements, on its website or in other marketing materials of the Agent.

(c) The Loan Parties hereby acknowledge that Agent or its Affiliates may make available to the Lenders materials or information provided by or on behalf of Borrowers hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks, SyndTrak or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and certain of the Lenders may be “public-side” Lenders (i.e., Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Loan Parties or their securities) (each, a “Public Lender”). The Loan Parties shall be deemed to have authorized Agent and its Affiliates and the Lenders to treat Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” or otherwise at any time filed with the SEC as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Loan Parties or their securities for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws. All Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated as “Public Investor” (or another similar term). Agent and its Affiliates and the Lenders shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” or that are not at any time filed with the SEC as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not marked as “Public Investor” (or such other similar term).

17.10. Survival. All representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that Agent, Issuing Lender, or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of, or any accrued interest on, any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding or unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or been terminated.

17.11. Patriot Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the Patriot Act hereby notifies each Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Borrower, which information includes the name and address of each Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act. In addition, if Agent is required by law or regulation or internal policies to do so, it shall have the right to periodically conduct (a) Patriot Act searches, OFAC/PEP searches, and customary individual background checks for the Loan Parties and (b) OFAC/PEP searches and customary individual background checks for the Loan Parties’ senior management and key principals, and Borrowers agree to cooperate in respect of the conduct of such searches and further agree that the reasonable costs and charges for such searches shall constitute Lender Group Expenses hereunder and be for the account of Borrowers.

 

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17.12. Integration. This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, reflects the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and shall not be contradicted or qualified by any other agreement, oral or written, before the date hereof. The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, all Bank Product Agreements, if any, are

independent agreements governed by the written provisions of such Bank Product Agreements, which will remain in full force and effect, unaffected by any repayment, prepayments, acceleration, reduction, increase, or change in the terms of any credit extended hereunder, except as otherwise expressly provided in such Bank Product Agreement.

17.13. Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Agent and each Lender hereunder, by its acceptance of the benefits provided hereunder, (a) consents to the subordination of Liens provided for in the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (b) agrees that it will be bound by, and will take no actions contrary to, the provisions of the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement, and (c) authorizes and instructs the Agent to enter into the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement as Agent on behalf of each Lender. Agent and each Lender hereby agrees that the terms, conditions and provisions contained in this Agreement are subject to the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement and, in the event of a conflict between the terms of the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control. Agent agrees to deliver to Administrative Borrower a copy of any written notice delivered to Split Lien Agent pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement.

17.14. Parent as Agent for Borrowers. Each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints Parent as the borrowing agent and attorney-in-fact for all Borrowers (“Administrative Borrower”) which appointment shall remain in full force and effect unless and until Agent shall have received prior written notice signed by each Borrower that such appointment has been revoked and that another Borrower has been appointed Administrative Borrower. Each Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes Administrative Borrower (i) to provide Agent with all notices with respect to Revolving Loans (inclusive of Swing Loans) and Letters of Credit obtained for the benefit of any Borrower and all other notices and instructions under this Agreement and (ii) to take such action as Administrative Borrower deems appropriate on its behalf to obtain Revolving Loans (inclusive of Swing Loans) and Letters of Credit and to exercise such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto to carry out the purposes of this Agreement. Each Borrower hereby jointly and severally agrees to indemnify each member of the Lender Group and hold each member of the Lender Group harmless against any and all liability, expense, loss or claim of damage or injury, made against the Lender Group by any Credit Party or by any third party whosoever, arising from or incurred by reason of (a) the handling of the Loan Account and Collateral of Borrowers as herein provided, (b) the Lender Group’s relying on any instructions of Administrative Borrower, or (c) any other action taken by the Lender Group hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, except that Borrowers will have no liability to the relevant Agent-Related Person or Lender-Related Person under this Section 17.14 with respect to any liability that has been finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent-Related Person or Lender-Related Person, as the case may be.

 

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17.15. Senior Debt. The Obligations are intended to be senior Indebtedness, and not subordinated to any other senior Indebtedness, or made pari passu with Indebtedness that is subordinated to any other Indebtedness, of any Loan Party. The Obligations are deemed to be expressly designated and named as “Designated Senior Debt”, “Designated Senior Indebtedness,” “Senior Indebtedness” or similar terms for purposes of any present or future loan agreement, indenture, note issuance or purchase agreement or other document under which such

a designation is applicable or available for senior Indebtedness of any Loan Party (including without limitation the Indebtedness under the Convertible Note Indenture).

[Signature pages to follow.]

 

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

 

BORROWERS:     SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC., a Wisconsin corporation
      By:    
      Name:    
      Title:    
    CLASSROOMDIRECT.COM, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
      By:    
      Name:    
      Title:    
    SPORTIME, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
      By:    
      Name:    
      Title:    
    DELTA EDUCATION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
      By:    
      Name:    
      Title:    

Signature Page to Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement


    PREMIER AGENDAS, INC., a Washington corporation
      By:    
      Name:    
      Title:    
    CHILDCRAFT EDUCATION CORP., a New York corporation
      By:    
      Name:    
      Title:    
    BIRD-IN-HAND WOODWORKS, INC., a New Jersey corporation
      By:    
      Name:    
      Title:    
    CALIFONE INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation
      By:    
      Name:    
      Title:    

Signature Page to Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement


WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as Agent, as Co-Collateral Agent, and as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
  Its Authorized Signatory

Signature Page to Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement


GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, a

Delaware corporation, as a Co-Collateral Agent, and as a

Lender

By:    
Name:    
  Its Authorized Signatory

Signature Page to Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement


BANK OF MONTREAL, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
  Its Authorized Signatory

Signature Page to Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement


CIT FINANCE LLC,, as a Lender
By:    
Name:    
  Its Authorized Signatory

Signature Page to Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement


Schedule 1.1

As used in the Agreement, the following terms shall have the following definitions:

ABL Priority Collateral” has the meaning set forth in the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

Accelerated Learning Business” means the Accelerated Learning Business Segments, collectively and taken as a whole.

Accelerated Learning Business Segments” means the collective reference to, and individually any one of, (i) the Delta Business, (ii) Reading Business, (iii) Health Business, and (iv) Planner Business.

Account” means an account (as that term is defined in the Code).

Account Debtor” means any Person who is obligated on an Account, chattel paper, or a general intangible.

Accounting Changes” means changes in accounting principles required by the promulgation of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (or successor thereto or any agency with similar functions).

Additional Documents” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 5.12 of the Agreement.

Administrative Borrower” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.14.

Administrative Questionnaire” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 13.1(a).

Affected Lender” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.13(b) of the Agreement.

Affiliate” means, as applied to any Person, any other Person who controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of Equity Interests, by contract, or otherwise; provided, that, for purposes of the definition of Eligible Accounts and Section 6.10 of the Agreement: (a) any Person which owns directly or indirectly 10% or more of the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other members of the governing body of a Person or 10% or more of the partnership or other ownership interests of a Person (other than as a limited partner of such Person) shall be deemed an Affiliate of such Person, (b) each director (or comparable manager) of a Person shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Person, and (c) each partnership in which a Person is a general partner shall be deemed an Affiliate of such Person.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 1


Agent” has the meaning specified therefor in the preamble to the Agreement.

Agents” means the Agent and the Co-Collateral Agents.

Agent-Related Persons” means Agent and each Co-Collateral Agent, together with their Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, and agents.

Agent’s Account” means the Deposit Account of Agent identified on Schedule A-1 (or such other Deposit Account of Agent that has been designated as such, in writing, by Agent to Administrative Borrower and the Lenders).

Agent’s Liens” means the Liens granted by Parent or its Subsidiaries to Agent under the Loan Documents and securing the Obligations.

Agreement” means the Debtor-in-Possession Credit Agreement to which this Schedule 1.1 is attached.

APA Closing Date” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Closing Date” in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

Applicable Margin” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to Base Rate Loans, 2.75 percentage points, or LIBOR Rate Loans, 3.75 percentage points.

Applicable Unused Line Fee Percentage” means 0.50 percentage points.

Application Event” means the occurrence of (a) a failure by Borrowers to repay all of the Obligations in full on the Maturity Date or the Required Prepayment Date, or (b) an Event of Default and the election by Agent, the Co-Collateral Agents or the Required Lenders to require that payments and proceeds of Collateral be applied pursuant to Section 2.4(b)(ii) of the Agreement.

Asset Purchase Agreement” mean the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2013, among Bayside School Specialty, LLC, School Specialty, Inc. and the other sellers named therein, in form and substance acceptable to Agent and Co-Collateral Agents.

Assignee” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 13.1(a) of the Agreement.

Assignment and Acceptance” means an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 to the Agreement.

Authorized Person” means any one of the individuals identified on Schedule A-2 to the Agreement, as such schedule is updated from time to time by written notice from Administrative Borrower to Agent.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 2


Availability” means, as of any date of determination, the amount that Borrowers are entitled to borrow as Revolving Loans under Section 2.1 of the Agreement (after giving effect to the then outstanding Revolver Usage).

Availability Reserve” means $5,000,000.

Average Revolver Usage” means, with respect to any period, the sum of the aggregate amount of Revolver Usage for each Business Day in such period (calculated as of the end of each respective Business Day) divided by the number of Business Days in such period.

Avoidance Actions” means any and all claims and causes of action of any Borrower’s estate arising under Sections 542, 544, 545, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 553(b) or 724(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, together with any proceeds therefrom.

Avoided Payments” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(e)(vii).

Bank Product” means any one or more of the following financial products or accommodations extended to Parent or its Subsidiaries by a Bank Product Provider: (a) credit cards (including commercial credit cards (including so-called “procurement cards” or “P-cards”)), (b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) stored value cards, (e) Cash Management Services, or (f) transactions under Hedge Agreements.

Bank Product Agreements” means those agreements entered into from time to time by Parent or its Subsidiaries with a Bank Product Provider in connection with the obtaining of any of the Bank Products.

Bank Product Collateralization” means providing cash collateral (pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to Agent) to be held by Agent for the benefit of the Bank Product Providers (other than the Hedge Providers) in an amount determined by Agent as sufficient to satisfy the reasonably estimated credit exposure with respect to the then existing Bank Product Obligations (other than Hedge Obligations).

Bank Product Obligations” means (a) all obligations, liabilities, reimbursement obligations, fees, or expenses owing by Parent or its Subsidiaries to any Bank Product Provider pursuant to or evidenced by a Bank Product Agreement and irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, (b) all Hedge Obligations, and (c) all amounts that Agent or any Lender is obligated to pay to a Bank Product Provider as a result of Agent or such Lender purchasing participations from, or executing guarantees or indemnities or reimbursement obligations to, a Bank Product Provider with respect to the Bank Products provided by such Bank Product Provider to Parent or its Subsidiaries; provided, in order for any item described in clauses (a) (b), or (c) above, as applicable, to constitute “Bank Product Obligations”, if the applicable Bank Product Provider is any Person other than Wells Fargo or its Affiliates, then the applicable Bank Product must have been provided on or after the Closing Date and Agent shall have received a Bank Product Provider Agreement within 10 days after the date of the provision of the applicable Bank Product to Parent or its Subsidiaries.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 3


Bank Product Provider” means any Lender or any of its Affiliates, including each of the foregoing in its capacity, if applicable, as a Hedge Provider; provided, that no such Person shall constitute a Bank Product Provider with respect to a Bank Product unless and until (x) in the case of Wells Fargo or its Affiliates, Agent shall have received a Bank Product Provider Agreement from such Person and with respect to the applicable Bank Product prior to the date that is 10 days after the provision of such Bank Product to Parent or its Subsidiaries, or (y) in the case of any other Person, Agent shall have received a Bank Product Provider Agreement from such Person and with respect to the applicable Bank Product within 10 days after the provision of such Bank Product to Parent or its Subsidiaries; provided further, that if, at any time, a Lender ceases to be a Lender under the Agreement, then, from and after the date on which it ceases to be a Lender thereunder, neither it nor any of its Affiliates shall constitute Bank Product Providers and the obligations with respect to Bank Products provided by such former Lender or any of its Affiliates shall no longer constitute Bank Product Obligations.

Bank Product Provider Agreement” means (a) in the case of a Bank Product Provider other than WFB or one of its Affiliates, an agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B-2 to the Agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, duly executed by the applicable Bank Product Provider, Administrative Borrower, and Agent, and (b) in the case of WFB or one of its Affiliates, an agreement between such Bank Product Provider and Agent in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

Bank Product Reserves” means, as of any date of determination, those reserves that Co-Collateral Agents deems necessary or appropriate to establish (based upon the Bank Product Providers’ determination of the liabilities and obligations of Parent and its Subsidiaries in respect of Bank Product Obligations) in respect of Bank Products then provided or outstanding.

Bankruptcy Cases” means the cases of Borrowers jointly administered under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code pending before the Bankruptcy Court, bearing case number 13-10125 and any superseding chapter 7 case or cases.

Bankruptcy Code” means the United States Code (11 U.S.C. §§ 101, et seq.), as amended, and any successor statute, as in effect from time to time.

Bankruptcy Court” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to the Agreement.

Base Rate” means the greatest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus  1/2%, (b) the LIBOR Rate (which rate shall be calculated based upon an Interest Period of 1 month and shall be determined on a daily basis), plus 1 percentage point, and (c) the rate of interest announced, from time to time, within Wells Fargo at its principal office in San Francisco as its “prime rate”, with the understanding that the “prime rate” is one of Wells Fargo’s base rates (not necessarily the lowest of such rates) and serves as the basis upon which effective rates of interest are calculated for those loans making reference thereto and is evidenced by the recording thereof after its announcement in such internal publications as Wells Fargo may designate.

Base Rate Loan” means each portion of the Revolving Loans that bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the Base Rate.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 4


Base Rate Margin” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Applicable Margin.

Bayside Sale” means a sale pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrowers to the Split Lien Agent or one or more of its affiliates.

Benefit Plan” means a “defined benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) for which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates has been an “employer” (as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA) within the past six years.

Bidding Procedure Order” has the meaning set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

Board of Directors” means, as to any Person, the board of directors (or comparable managers) of such Person, or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of the board of directors (or comparable managers).

Board of Governors” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States (or any successor).

Borrower” has the meaning specified therefor in the preamble to the Agreement.

Borrower Materials” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.9(c) of the Agreement.

Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of Revolving Loans made on the same day by the Lenders (or Agent on behalf thereof), or by Swing Lender in the case of a Swing Loan, or by Agent in the case of an Extraordinary Advance.

Borrowing Base” means, as of any date of determination, the result of:

(a) 85% of the amount of Eligible Accounts, less the amount, if any, of the Dilution Reserve, plus

(b) the lower of

(i) the product of 65% multiplied by the value (calculated at the lower of cost or market on a basis consistent with Borrowers’ historical accounting practices) of Eligible Inventory (other than Eligible Slow Moving Inventory) at such time, and

(ii) the product of 85% multiplied by the Net Recovery Percentage identified in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered and obtained by Agent or the Co-Collateral Agents multiplied by the value (calculated at the lower of cost or market on a basis consistent with the Borrowers’ historical accounting practices) of Eligible Inventory (other than Eligible Slow Moving Inventory) (such determination may be made as to different categories of Eligible Inventory based upon the Net Recovery Percentage applicable to such categories) at such time, plus

 

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(c) the lowest of

(i) the product of 65% multiplied by the value (calculated at the lower of cost or market on a basis consistent with Borrowers’ historical accounting practices) of Eligible Inventory that is Eligible Slow Moving Inventory at such time,

(ii) the product of 85% multiplied by the Net Recovery Percentage identified in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered and obtained by Agent or the Co-Collateral Agents multiplied by the value (calculated at the lower of cost or market on a basis consistent with the Borrowers’ historical accounting practices) of Eligible Inventory that is Eligible Slow Moving Inventory (such determination may be made as to different categories of Eligible Inventory based upon the Net Recovery Percentage applicable to such categories) at such time, and

(iii) the Slow Moving Cap, minus

(d) the sum of (without duplication) (i) Availability Reserve, (ii) the Bank Product Reserve, (iii) Carveout Expense Reserve, and (iv) the aggregate amount of reserves, if any, established by Co-Collateral Agents under Section 2.1(c) of the Agreement.

Borrowing Base Certificate” means a certificate in the form of Exhibit B-1.

Budget” means the initial budget (a copy of which is attached as Exhibit B-2), projecting operations for the ensuing six-month period and including, without limitation, (i) a thirteen-week cash flow forecast, (ii) a six-month consolidated balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows, and (iii) income statements by Business Segment, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, in the case of non-material amendments, modifications or supplements, with Agent’s written consent and otherwise with the consent of each Lender; such thirteen-week cash flow forecast to be updated (in substantially the same format as the prior thirteen-week cash flow forecast) monthly by Borrowers in accordance with Section 5.1, submitted to Agent and, upon acceptance in writing by Agent in its sole discretion with respect to non-material updates and upon acceptance in writing by each Lender with respect to any other updates, the prior Budget, as modified by the updated thirteen-week cash flow forecast shall constitute the then Budget.

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which banks are authorized or required to close in the state of Illinois, except that, if a determination of a Business Day shall relate to a LIBOR Rate Loan, the term “Business Day” also shall exclude any day on which banks are closed for dealings in Dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

Business Segment Financial Statements” means the consolidated and consolidating monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, including, in the case of clauses (w), (x) and (y) below, balance sheets, income statements, and statements of capital

 

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expenditures, retained earnings and shareholders’ equity, and Product Development Expense, and (in the case of clause (z) below) statements of revenue, gross margin, capital expenditures, and Product Development Expense, in any event in no less a level of detail than the financial statements provided to the Agent prior to the Closing Date, reflecting the performance of (w) the Accelerated Learning Business (accompanied by reconciling information in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Agent for any Reconcilable Inclusions with respect to the Accelerated Learning Business), (x) the Educational Resources Business, (y) each Business Segment on a standalone basis (accompanied, in the case of the Planner Business, by reconciling information in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Agent for any Reconcilable Inclusions with respect to the Planner Business), and (z) each Delta Business Sub-Segment on a standalone basis.

Business Segments” means, collectively, each Accelerated Learning Business Segment and each Educational Resources Business Segment.

Capitalized Lease Obligation” means that portion of the obligations under a Capital Lease that is required to be capitalized in accordance with GAAP.

Capital Lease” means a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.

Carveout” has the meaning set forth in the Interim Order or the Final Order, as applicable.

Carveout Expense Reserve” means, as of any date of determination, a reserve established on account of the Carveout and Other Statutory Liabilities, in amounts not less than those set forth for such reserve amounts in the Budget from time to time unless otherwise agreed by Co-Collateral Agents.

Cash Equivalents” means (a) marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within 1 year from the date of acquisition thereof, (b) marketable direct obligations issued or fully guaranteed by any state of the United States or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within 1 year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), (c) commercial paper maturing no more than 270 days from the date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody’s, (d) certificates of deposit, time deposits, overnight bank deposits or bankers’ acceptances maturing within 1 year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by any bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or any United States branch of a foreign bank having at the date of acquisition thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than $1,000,000,000, (e) Deposit Accounts maintained with (i) any bank that satisfies the criteria described in clause (d) above, or (ii) any other bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof so long as the full amount maintained with any such other bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, (f) repurchase obligations of any commercial bank satisfying the

 

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requirements of clause (d) of this definition or recognized securities dealer having combined capital and surplus of not less than $1,000,000,000, having a term of not more than seven days, with respect to securities satisfying the criteria in clauses (a) or (d) above, (g) debt securities with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any commercial bank satisfying the criteria described in clause (d) above, and (h) Investments in money market funds substantially all of whose assets are invested in the types of assets described in clauses (a) through (g) above.

Cash Management Services” means any cash management or related services including treasury, depository, return items, overdraft, controlled disbursement, merchant store value cards, e-payables services, electronic funds transfer, interstate depository network, automatic clearing house transfer (including the Automated Clearing House processing of electronic funds transfers through the direct Federal Reserve Fedline system) and other customary cash management arrangements.

CFC” means a controlled foreign corporation (as that term is defined in the IRC).

Change in Control” means that:

(a) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert, shall have acquired beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, of Equity Interests of Parent (or other securities convertible into such Equity Interests) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of all Equity Interests of Parent entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote for the election of members of the Board of Directors of Parent;

(b) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert, shall have acquired by contract or otherwise, or shall have entered into a contract or arrangement that, upon consummation thereof, will result in its or their acquisition of the power to exercise, directly or indirectly, a controlling influence over the management or policies of Parent or control over the Equity Interests of such Person entitled to vote for members of the Board of Directors of Parent on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such Equity Interests that such Person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of such Equity Interests;

(c) during any period of 24 consecutive months commencing on or after the Closing Date, the occurrence of a change in the composition of the Board of Directors of Parent such that a majority of the members of such Board of Directors are not Continuing Directors;

(d) Parent fails to own and control, directly or indirectly, 100% of the Equity Interests of each other Loan Party;

(e) the occurrence of any “Change in Control” as defined in the Split Lien Credit Agreement; or

(f) the occurrence of any “Change of Control” as defined in the Convertible Note Indenture.

 

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Chief Restructuring Officer” means Mr. Thomas E. Hill, a representative of Alvarez & Marsal North America, LLC (“Alvarez & Marsal”), in his capacity as Chief Restructuring Officer duly appointed and authorized by Borrowers, on terms and conditions reasonably acceptable to Agent and Lenders.

Closing Date” means the date of the making of the initial Revolving Loan (or other extension of credit) under the Agreement.

Co-Collateral Agents” means, collectively, the Agent and GECC, each in its capacity as a co-collateral agent and any successor co-collateral agents.

Code” means the New York Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time.

Collateral” means all assets and interests in assets and proceeds thereof now owned or hereafter acquired by Parent or its Subsidiaries in or upon which a Lien is granted by such Person in favor of Agent, Co-Collateral Agents or the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents. Without limitation of the foregoing, subject to the terms of the Interim Order and Final Order, the Collateral shall include all proceeds of any and all Avoidance Actions.

Collateral Access Agreement” means a landlord waiver, bailee letter, or acknowledgement agreement of any lessor, warehouseman, processor, consignee, or other Person in possession of, having a Lien upon, or having rights or interests in Parent’s or its Subsidiaries’ books and records, Equipment, or Inventory, in each case, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Co-Collateral Agents.

Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, its Revolver Commitment, as the context requires, and, with respect to all Lenders, their Revolver Commitments, as the context requires, in each case as such Dollar amounts are set forth beside such Lender’s name under the applicable heading on Schedule C-1 to the Agreement or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender became a Lender under the Agreement, as such amounts may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments made in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.1 of the Agreement.

Committees” means, collectively, the official committee of unsecured creditors and any other committee formed, appointed or approved in any Chapter 11 Case.

Commodity Hedging Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries under (a) any and all agreements, devices or arrangements designed to protect any Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries from the fluctuations of commodity prices, commodity price cap or collar protection agreements, and commodity forward and future contracts, swaps, options, puts and warrants, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any of the foregoing.

Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C-1 to the Agreement delivered by the chief financial officer of Administrative Borrower to Agent.

 

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Confidential Information” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.9(a) of the Agreement.

Continuing Director” means (a) any member of the Board of Directors who was a director (or comparable manager) of Parent on the Closing Date, and (b) any individual who becomes a member of the Board of Directors after the Closing Date if such individual was approved, appointed or nominated for election to the Board of Directors by a majority of the Continuing Directors, but excluding any such individual originally proposed for election in opposition to the Board of Directors in office at the Closing Date in an actual or threatened election contest relating to the election of the directors (or comparable managers) of Parent and whose initial assumption of office resulted from such contest or the settlement thereof.

Control Agreement” means a control agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, executed and delivered by Parent or one of its Subsidiaries, Agent, and the applicable securities intermediary (with respect to a Securities Account) or bank (with respect to a Deposit Account).

Convertible Note Indenture” means that certain Indenture dated as of March 1, 2011 between Parent and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, as amended or modified from time to time, in an aggregate original principal amount of $157,500,000.

Convertible Notes” means convertible subordinated notes due 2026 issued pursuant to the Convertible Note Indenture in an aggregate original principal amount of $157,500,000.

Copyright Security Agreement” has the meaning specified therefor in the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

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

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any amounts required to be funded by it under the Agreement within 1 Business Day of the date that it is required to do so under the Agreement (including the failure to make available to Agent amounts required pursuant to a Settlement or to make a required payment in connection with a Letter of Credit Disbursement), (b) notified the Administrative Borrower, Agent, or any Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with all or any portion of its funding obligations under the Agreement, (c) has made a public statement to the effect that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations under the Agreement or under other agreements generally (as reasonably determined by Agent) under which it has committed to extend credit, (d) failed, within 1 Business Day after written request by Agent, to confirm that it will comply with the terms of the Agreement relating to its obligations to fund any amounts required to be funded by it under the Agreement, (e) otherwise failed to pay over to Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it under the Agreement within 1 Business Day of the date that it is required to do so under the Agreement, unless subject of a good faith dispute, or (f) (i) becomes or is insolvent or has a parent company that has become or is insolvent or

 

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(ii) becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, or custodian or appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment or has a parent company that has become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, or custodian appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment.

Defaulting Lender Rate” means (a) for the first 3 days from and after the date the relevant payment is due, the Base Rate, and (b) thereafter, the interest rate then applicable to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans (inclusive of the Base Rate Margin applicable thereto).

Delta Business” means the Delta Business Sub-Segments collectively and taken as a whole.

Delta Business Sub-Segments” means the collective reference to, and individually any one of, (i) Delta/FOSS, (ii) Frey Scientific, and (iii) Other Science Products.

Delta/Foss” means the Delta and Refurbishment marketing units that are a sub-segment of the Delta Business that offers an inquiry-based elementary school science curriculum, including instructional and classroom resources and hands-on investigation materials, the Delta Science Module program, the FOSS (Full Option Science System) program and kit refill materials.

Designated Account” means the Deposit Account of Administrative Borrower identified on Schedule D-1 to the Agreement (or such other Deposit Account of Administrative Borrower located at Designated Account Bank that has been designated as such, in writing, by Administrative Borrower to Agent).

Designated Account Bank” has the meaning specified therefor in Schedule D-1 to the Agreement (or such other bank that is located within the United States that has been designated as such, in writing, by Administrative Borrower to Agent).

Dilution” means, as of any date of determination, a percentage, based upon the experience of the immediately prior 12 months, that is the result of dividing the Dollar amount of (a) bad debt write-downs, discounts, advertising allowances, credits, or other dilutive items with respect to Borrowers’ Accounts during such period, by (b) Borrowers’ billings with respect to Accounts during such period.

Dilution Reserve” means, as of any date of determination, an amount sufficient to reduce the advance rate against Eligible Accounts by 1 percentage point for each percentage point by which Dilution is in excess of 5%.

Disqualified Equity Interests” shall mean any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is

 

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mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is 180 days after the Maturity Date.

Dollars” or “$” means United States dollars.

Educational Resources Administrator” means the category within the Educational Resources Segment that offers basic classroom supplies, office products, janitorial and sanitation supplies, school equipment, technology products and paper.

Educational Resources Business” means the Educational Resources Business Segments, collectively and taken as a whole.

Educational Resources Business Segments” means the collective reference to, and individually any one of, (i) Educational Resources Educator, (ii) Educational Resources Administrator, and (iii) Educational Resources Furniture.

Educational Resources Educator” means the category within the Educational Resources Segment that offers supplemental learning materials, teaching resources, upper-grade-level art supplies, early childhood products, physical education equipment and special needs equipment and classroom technology.

Educational Resources Furniture” means the category within the Educational Resources Segment that offers classroom furniture, library furniture, cafeteria furniture, office furniture, fixed furniture such as bleachers and lockers, as well as construction and project management services.

Eligible Accounts” means those Accounts created by a Borrower in the ordinary course of its business, that arise out of such Borrower’s sale of goods or rendition of services, that comply with each of the representations and warranties respecting Eligible Accounts made in the Loan Documents, and that are not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the excluding criteria set forth below; provided, that such criteria may be revised from time to time by Co-Collateral Agents in Co-Collateral Agents’ Permitted Discretion to address the results of any field examination performed by (or on behalf of) Agent and/or Co-Collateral Agents from time to time after the Closing Date. In determining the amount to be included, Eligible Accounts shall be calculated net of customer deposits, unapplied cash, taxes, discounts, credits, allowances, and rebates. Eligible Accounts shall not include the following:

(a) Accounts that the Account Debtor has failed to pay within 90 days of original invoice date or within 60 days of original due date or Accounts with selling terms of more than 60 days (provided, that, during the period commencing on December 1st of each year

 

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through May 31st of the immediately subsequent year, Accounts in an aggregate amount for all such Accounts not to exceed the lesser of (x) 70% of all Accounts outstanding more than 90 days past their original invoice date and (y) $5,000,000 shall not be ineligible under this clause (a) as a result of being outstanding more than 90 days past original invoice date, so long as such Accounts are not unpaid more than 120 days past their original invoice date),

(b) Accounts owed by an Account Debtor (or its Affiliates) where 50% or more of all Accounts owed by that Account Debtor (or its Affiliates) are deemed ineligible under clause (a) above,

(c) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is an Affiliate of a Borrower or an employee or agent of a Borrower or any Affiliate of a Borrower,

(d) Accounts arising in a transaction wherein goods are placed on consignment or are sold pursuant to a guaranteed sale, a sale or return, a sale on approval, a bill and hold, or any other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor may be conditional,

(e) Accounts that are not payable in Dollars,

(f) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor either (i) does not maintain its chief executive office in the United States or Canada, or (ii) is not organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or Canada or any province thereof, or (iii) is the government of any foreign country or sovereign state, or of any state, province, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof, or of any department, agency, public corporation, or other instrumentality thereof, unless (A) the Account is supported by an irrevocable letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to Agent (as to form, substance, and issuer or domestic confirming bank) that has been delivered to Agent and is directly drawable by Agent, or (B) the Account is covered by credit insurance in form, substance, and amount, and by an insurer, reasonably satisfactory to Agent,

(g) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is the United States or any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States (exclusive, however, of Accounts (x) with respect to which the applicable Borrower has complied, to the reasonable satisfaction of Co-Collateral Agents, with the Assignment of Claims Act, 31 USC §3727 and (y) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $2,000,000);

(h) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a creditor of a Borrower, has or has asserted a right of recoupment or setoff, or has disputed its obligation to pay all or any portion of the Account, to the extent of such claim, right of recoupment or setoff, or dispute,

(i) Accounts with respect to an Account Debtor whose total obligations owing to Borrowers exceed 10% (such percentage, as applied to a particular Account Debtor, being subject to reduction by Co-Collateral Agents in its Permitted Discretion if the creditworthiness of such Account Debtor deteriorates) of all Eligible Accounts, to the extent of the obligations owing by such Account Debtor in excess of such percentage; provided, that, in

 

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each case, the amount of Eligible Accounts that are excluded because they exceed the foregoing percentage shall be determined by Co-Collateral Agents based on all of the otherwise Eligible Accounts prior to giving effect to any eliminations based upon the foregoing concentration limit,

(j) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is subject to an Insolvency Proceeding, is not Solvent, has gone out of business, or as to which a Borrower has received notice of an imminent Insolvency Proceeding or a material impairment of the financial condition of such Account Debtor,

(k) Accounts, the collection of which, Co-Collateral Agents, in their Permitted Discretion, believes to be doubtful, including by reason of the Account Debtor’s financial condition,

(l) Accounts that are not subject to a valid and perfected first priority Agent’s Lien, or are subject to a Lien other than the Liens of Agent and those permitted in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (q) of the definition of the term Permitted Liens (but as to Liens referred to in clause (c) only to the extent that Co-Collateral Agents have established a reserve in respect thereof),

(m) Accounts with respect to which (i) the goods giving rise to such Account have not been shipped and billed to the Account Debtor, or (ii) the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed and billed to the Account Debtor,

(n) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Entity,

(o) Accounts that represent the right to receive progress payments or other advance billings that are due prior to the completion of performance by Borrowers of the subject contract for goods or services, or

(p) Accounts arising from or in connection with contracts or projects that are subject to a performance or surety bond.

Eligible Inventory” means Inventory of a Borrower consisting of raw materials and finished goods, that complies with each of the representations and warranties respecting Eligible Inventory made in the Loan Documents, and that is not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the excluding criteria set forth below; provided, that such criteria may be revised from time to time by Co-Collateral Agent in Co-Collateral Agents’ Permitted Discretion to address the results of any field examination or appraisal performed by Agent and/or Co-Collateral Agents from time to time after the Closing Date. In determining the amount to be so included, Inventory shall be valued at the lower of cost or market on a basis consistent with Borrowers’ historical accounting practices. An item of Inventory shall not be included in Eligible Inventory if:

(a) the applicable Borrower does not have good, valid, and marketable title thereto,

 

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(b) the applicable Borrower does not have actual and exclusive possession thereof (either directly or through a bailee or agent of such Borrower),

(c) it is not located at one of the locations in the continental United States set forth on Schedule E-1 to the Agreement (or in-transit from one such location to another such location),

(d) it is in-transit to or from a location of the applicable Borrower (other than in-transit from one location set forth on Schedule E-1 to the Agreement to another location set forth on Schedule E-1 to the Agreement); unless such inventory is in transit outside of, but on route to, the United States of America (including its inland waterways), is fully insured and the title documents in respect thereof (x) are negotiable, (y) are in the possession of a Title Document Agent, and (z) have been consigned and issued as follows: “to the order of a Title Document Agent, as agent for secured party, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, which secured party has a security interest in the goods covered by this document”; provided, that the maximum amount of in-transit inventory not located in the United States of America (including its inland waterways) at any one time included as Eligible Inventory shall not exceed $2,500,000,

(e) it is located on real property leased by the applicable Borrower, in a contract warehouse or with a processor, in each case, unless a Landlord Reserve is in place for such location or it is subject to a Collateral Access Agreement executed by the lessor or warehouseman, as the case may be, and unless it is segregated or otherwise separately identifiable from goods of others, if any, stored on the premises,

(f) it is the subject of a bill of lading or other document of title,

(g) it is not subject to a valid and perfected first priority Agent’s Lien, or is subject to a Lien other than the Liens of Agent and those permitted in clauses (a), (b), (c), (g), (p) and (q) of the definition of the term Permitted Liens (but as to Liens referred to in clause (c), (g) and (p) only to the extent that Co-Collateral Agents have established a reserve in respect thereof),

(h) it consists of goods returned or rejected by a Borrower’s customers,

(i) it consists of goods that are obsolete or slow moving, restrictive or custom items, work-in-process or goods that constitute spare parts, packaging and shipping materials, supplies used or consumed in a Borrower’s business, bill and hold goods, defective goods, “seconds,” or Inventory acquired on consignment; provided, that, Eligible Slow Moving shall not be ineligible under this clause (i) as a result of being slow moving, provided, further, that, if Borrowers have not sold any Inventory of a particular type or category during the then immediately preceding 12 consecutive month period, such type or category of Inventory shall be deemed ineligible as slow moving under this clause (i),

(j) it is subject to third party trademark, or other intellectual property, licensing or proprietary rights, unless Co-Collateral Agents are satisfied that such Inventory can be freely sold by Agent on and after the occurrence of an Event of a Default (without Agent infringing any rights of, or incurring any liabilities to, any licensor or owner of such third party rights) despite such third party rights, or

 

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(k) it is located at any site if the aggregate book value of Inventory at such location is less than $100,000.

Eligible Slow Moving Inventory” means Inventory of the type or category that Borrowers then have a supply of 52 weeks or more (based on sales over the then preceding 12 consecutive month period) unless Borrowers have not sold any Inventory of such type or category during the then immediately preceding 12 consecutive month period.

Eligible Transferee” means (a) any Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender), any Affiliate of any Lender and any Related Fund of any Lender; and (b) (i) a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, and having total assets in excess of $1,000,000,000; (ii) a savings and loan association or savings bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, and having total assets in excess of $1,000,000,000; (iii) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country or a political subdivision thereof; provided that (A) (x) such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States or (y) such bank is organized under the laws of a country that is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or a political subdivision of such country, and (B) such bank has total assets in excess of $1,000,000,000; (c) any other entity (other than a natural person) that is an “accredited investor” (as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act) that extends credit or buys loans as one of its businesses including insurance companies, investment or mutual funds and lease financing companies, and having total assets in excess of $1,000,000,000; (d) if no Event of Default exists, any Person (other than any natural Person); and (e) during the continuation of an Event of Default, any other Person approved by Agent; provided, that, except in connection with the exercise of any purchase right under Section 10 of the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement, “Eligible Transferee” shall exclude any holder of any Indebtedness arising under the Split Lien Documents.

Environmental Action” means any written complaint, summons, citation, notice, directive, order, claim, litigation, investigation, judicial or administrative proceeding, judgment, letter, or other written communication from any Governmental Authority, or any third party involving violations of Environmental Laws or releases of Hazardous Materials (a) from any assets, properties, or businesses of Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent, or any of their predecessors in interest, (b) from adjoining properties or businesses, or (c) from or onto any facilities which received Hazardous Materials generated by Parent, any Subsidiary of Parent, or any of their predecessors in interest.

Environmental Law” means any applicable federal, state, provincial, foreign or local statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, binding and enforceable guideline, binding and enforceable written policy, or rule of common law now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended, or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent decree or judgment, in each case, to the extent binding on Parent or its Subsidiaries, relating to the environment, the effect of the environment on employee health, or Hazardous Materials, in each case as amended from time to time.

 

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Environmental Liabilities” means all liabilities, monetary obligations, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel, experts, or consultants, and costs of investigation and feasibility studies), fines, penalties, sanctions, and interest incurred as a result of any claim or demand, or Remedial Action required, by any Governmental Authority or any third party, and which relate to any Environmental Action.

Environmental Lien” means any Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority for Environmental Liabilities.

Equipment” means equipment (as that term is defined in the Code).

Equity Interest” means, with respect to a Person, all of the shares, options, warrants, interests, participations, or other equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in such Person, whether voting or nonvoting, including capital stock (or other ownership or profit interests or units), preferred stock, or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act).

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor statute thereto.

ERISA Affiliate” means (a) any Person subject to ERISA whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of Parent or its Subsidiaries under IRC Section 414(b), (b) any trade or business subject to ERISA whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of Parent or its Subsidiaries under IRC Section 414(c), (c) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the IRC, any organization subject to ERISA that is a member of an affiliated service group of which Parent or any of its Subsidiaries is a member under IRC Section 414(m), or (d) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the IRC, any Person subject to ERISA that is a party to an arrangement with Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and whose employees are aggregated with the employees of Parent or its Subsidiaries under IRC Section 414(o).

Event of Default” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 8 of the Agreement.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect from time to time.

Excluded Taxes” means (i) any tax imposed on the net income or net profits of any Lender or any Participant (including any branch profits taxes), in each case imposed by the jurisdiction (or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof) in which such Lender or such Participant is organized or the jurisdiction (or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof) in which such Lender’s or such Participant’s principal office is located in each case as a result of a present or former connection between such Lender or such Participant and the jurisdiction or taxing authority imposing the tax (other than any such connection arising solely from such Lender or such Participant having executed, delivered or performed its obligations or received payment under, or enforced its rights or remedies under the Agreement or

 

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any other Loan Document); (ii) taxes resulting from a Lender’s or a Participant’s failure to comply with the requirements of Section 16.2 of the Agreement, and (iii) any United States federal withholding taxes that would be imposed on amounts payable to a Foreign Lender based upon the applicable withholding rate in effect at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to the Agreement (or designates a new lending office), except that Taxes shall include (A) any amount that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was previously entitled to receive pursuant to Section 16.1 of the Agreement, if any, with respect to such withholding tax at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to the Agreement (or designates a new lending office), and (B) additional United States federal withholding taxes that may be imposed after the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to the Agreement (or designates a new lending office), as a result of a change in law, rule, regulation, order or other decision with respect to any of the foregoing by any Governmental Authority.

Existing Agent” means Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC in its capacity as the administrative agent to the Existing Lenders.

Existing Bank Product Obligations” means “Bank Product Obligations” as defined in the Existing Loan Agreement.

Existing Lenders” means the financial institutions party to the Existing Loan Agreement, and each of their respective successors and assigns.

Existing Letter of Credit” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(n).

Existing Loan Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of May 22, 2012 by and among Existing Agent, as Administrative Agent, Existing Agent and General Electric Capital Corporation as Co-Collateral Agents, the lenders party thereto and Borrowers as amended from time to time.

Existing Loan Documents” all documents, agreements and orders that evidence or govern the Existing Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, the items described on Schedule E-2, in each case, as the same has been amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Existing Secured Obligations” means all outstanding principal, accrued interest, accrued fees and expenses and any other indebtedness and amounts owing to Existing Lenders (or the agents therefor) under the Existing Loan Documents and all Existing Bank Product Obligations.

Existing Split Lien Agent” means the “Term Loan Agent” as defined in the Existing Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

Existing Split Lien Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of May 22, 2012, by and among Borrowers, Select Agendas, Corp., Existing Split Lien Agent and the lenders from time to time party thereto, as amended from time to time to the extent permitted under the Existing Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

 

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Existing Split Lien Documents” means the “Term Loan Documents” as defined in the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof).

Existing Split Lien Indebtedness” means “Term Loan Debt” as defined in the Existing Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

Existing Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as May 22, 2012, between Existing Agent and Existing Split Lien Agent and acknowledged by the Loan Parties, as amended or modified from time to time.

Existing Split Lien Priority Collateral” means the “Term Loan Priority Collateral” as defined in the Existing Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

Extraordinary Advances” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.3(d)(ii) of the Agreement.

Extraordinary Receipts” means (a) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, proceeds of judgments, proceeds of settlements, or other consideration of any kind received in connection with any cause of action or claim, and (b) if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any payments received by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries not in the ordinary course of business (and not consisting of proceeds described in Section 2.4(e)(ii) of the Agreement) consisting of (i) proceeds of judgments, proceeds of settlements, or other consideration of any kind received in connection with any cause of action or claim, (ii) indemnity payments (other than to the extent such indemnity payments are immediately payable to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iii) any purchase price adjustment received in connection with any purchase agreement.

Fee Letter” means that certain fee letter, dated as of even date with the Agreement, between Borrowers and Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

Federal Funds Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal to, for each day during such period, the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

Filing Date” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

Final Order” means the order of the Bankruptcy Court entered in the Bankruptcy Cases after a final hearing (assuming satisfaction of the standards prescribed in Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 4001 and other applicable law), which order is in effect and not stayed, in the form attached as Exhibit F-1, modified only to include provisions of the Interim Order that are not to be effective until the entry of the “Final Order” (as defined in the Interim Order).

 

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Financing Order” means, (i) until the entry of the Final Order, the Interim Order, and (ii) after the entry of the Final Order, the Final Order, together with (a) all non-material amendments, modifications and supplements to such Interim Order or Final Order, as applicable, which are acceptable to Agent in its sole and absolute discretion and (b) all material amendments, modifications and supplements to such Interim Order or Final Order, as applicable, which are acceptable to each Lender.

Flow of Funds Agreement” means a flow of funds agreement, dated as of even date herewith, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, executed and delivered by each Loan Party and Agent.

Foreign Lender” means any Lender or Participant that is not a United States person within the meaning of IRC section 7701(a)(30).

Frey Scientific” means the marketing unit that is a sub-segment of the Delta Business that offers a line of science supplies and equipment for k-12 classrooms and science labs, as well as lab design services and furniture.

Funding Date” means the date on which a Borrowing occurs.

Funding Losses” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.12(b)(ii) of the Agreement.

FX and Currency Option Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whenever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under any and all agreements, devices or arrangements designed to protect any Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries from variations in the comparative value of currencies, including foreign exchange purchase and future purchase transactions, currency options, currency swaps and cross currency rate swaps.

GECC” means General Electric Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States, consistently applied.

Governing Documents” means, with respect to any Person, the certificate or articles of incorporation, by-laws, or other organizational documents of such Person.

Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local, or other governmental or administrative body, instrumentality, board, department, or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission, or other similar dispute-resolving panel or body.

Guarantor” means (a) each Subsidiary of Parent (other than a Borrower) and (b) each other Person that becomes a guarantor of the Obligations after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 5.11 of the Agreement.

 

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Guaranty and Security Agreement” means a guaranty and security agreement, dated as of even date with the Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Co-Collateral Agents, executed and delivered by each Borrower and each Guarantor to Agent.

Hazardous Materials” means (a) substances that are defined or listed in, or otherwise classified pursuant to, any applicable laws or regulations as “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” or any other formulation intended to define, list, or classify substances by reason of deleterious properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, or “EP toxicity”, (b) oil, petroleum, or petroleum derived substances, natural gas, natural gas liquids, synthetic gas, drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil, natural gas, or geothermal resources, (c) any flammable substances or explosives or any radioactive materials, and (d) asbestos in any form or electrical equipment that contains any oil or dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million.

Health Business” means a segment of the Accelerated Learning Business that offers physical education and health solutions under the SPARK brand.

Hedge Agreement” means a “swap agreement” as that term is defined in Section 101(53B)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Hedge Obligations” means any and all obligations or liabilities, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, of Parent or its Subsidiaries arising under, owing pursuant to, or existing in respect of Hedge Agreements entered into with one or more of the Hedge Providers.

Hedge Provider” means any Lender or any of its Affiliates; provided, that no such Person shall constitute a Hedge Provider unless and until (x) in the case of Wells Fargo or its Affiliates, Agent shall have received a Bank Product Provider Agreement from such Person and with respect to the applicable Hedge Agreement prior to the date that is 10 days after the execution and delivery of such Hedge Agreement with Parent or its Subsidiaries, or (y) in the case of any other Person, Agent shall have received a Bank Product Provider Agreement from such Person and with respect to the applicable Hedge Agreement within 10 days after the execution and delivery of such Hedge Agreement with Parent or its Subsidiaries; provided further, that if, at any time, a Lender ceases to be a Lender under the Agreement, then, from and after the date on which it ceases to be a Lender thereunder, neither it nor any of its Affiliates shall constitute Hedge Providers and the obligations with respect to Hedge Agreements entered into with such former Lender or any of its Affiliates shall no longer constitute Hedge Obligations.

Indebtedness” as to any Person means (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments and all reimbursement or other obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, or other financial products, (c) all obligations of such Person as a lessee under Capital Leases, (d) all obligations or liabilities of others secured by a Lien on any

 

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asset of such Person, irrespective of whether such obligation or liability is assumed, (e) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of assets (other than trade payables incurred in the ordinary course of business and repayable in accordance with customary trade practices and, for the avoidance of doubt, other than royalty payments payable in the ordinary course of business in respect of non-exclusive licenses), (f) all monetary obligations of such Person owing under Hedge Agreements (which amount shall be calculated based on the amount that would be payable by such Person if the Hedge Agreement were terminated on the date of determination), (g) any Disqualified Equity Interests of such Person, and (h) any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee (whether directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made, discounted, or sold with recourse) any obligation of any other Person that constitutes Indebtedness under any of clauses (a) through (g) above; provided that reimbursement obligations with respect to Permitted Surety Bonds that have not been drawn shall not constitute Indebtedness. For purposes of this definition, (i) the amount of any Indebtedness represented by a guaranty or other similar instrument shall be the lesser of the principal amount of the obligations guaranteed and still outstanding and the maximum amount for which the guaranteeing Person may be liable pursuant to the terms of the instrument embodying such Indebtedness, and (ii) the amount of any Indebtedness which is limited or is non-recourse to a Person or for which recourse is limited to an identified asset shall be valued at the lesser of (A) if applicable, the limited amount of such obligations, and (B) if applicable, the fair market value of such assets securing such obligation.

Indemnified Liabilities” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 10.3 of the Agreement.

Indemnified Person” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 10.3 of the Agreement.

Indemnified Taxes” means, any Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

Insolvency Proceeding” means any proceeding commenced by or against any Person under any provision of the Bankruptcy Code or under any other state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency law, assignments for the benefit of creditors, formal or informal moratoria, compositions, extensions generally with creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other similar relief (including the Bankruptcy Cases).

Intercompany Subordination Agreement” means an intercompany subordination agreement, dated as of even date with the Agreement, executed and delivered by Parent, each of its Subsidiaries each of the other Loan Parties, and Agent, the form and substance of which is reasonably satisfactory to Agent.

Interest Period” means, with respect to each LIBOR Rate Loan, a period commencing on the date of the making of such LIBOR Rate Loan (or the continuation of a LIBOR Rate Loan or the conversion of a Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan) and ending 14 days or 1, 2, 3 or 6 months thereafter; provided, that (a) interest shall accrue at the applicable rate based upon the LIBOR Rate from and including the first day of each Interest Period to, but excluding, the day on which any Interest Period expires, (b) any Interest Period that would end

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 22


on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (c) with respect to an Interest Period of a month or greater 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), the Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month that is 1, 2, 3 or 6 months after the date on which the Interest Period began, as applicable, and (d) Borrowers may not elect an Interest Period which will end after the Maturity Date.

Interim Order” means the order of the Bankruptcy Court entered in the Bankruptcy Cases after an interim hearing (assuming satisfaction of the standards prescribed in Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 4001 and other applicable law), which order is in effect and not stayed, in the form attached as Exhibit F-1.

Inventory” means inventory (as that term is defined in the Code).

Inventory Reserves” means, as of any date of determination, (a) Landlord Reserves, and (b) those reserves that Co-Collateral Agents deem necessary or appropriate, in their Permitted Discretion and subject to Section 2.1(c), to establish and maintain (including reserves for slow moving Inventory and Inventory shrinkage) with respect to Eligible Inventory or the Maximum Revolver Amount.

Investment” means, with respect to any Person, any investment by such Person in any other Person (including Affiliates) in the form of loans, guarantees, advances, capital contributions (excluding (a) commission, travel, and similar advances to officers and employees of such Person made in the ordinary course of business, and (b) bona fide accounts receivable arising in the ordinary course of business), or acquisitions of Indebtedness, Equity Interests, or all or substantially all of the assets of such other Person (or of any division or business line of such other Person), and any other items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. The amount of any Investment shall be the original cost of such Investment plus the cost of all additions thereto, without any adjustment for increases or decreases in value, or write-ups, write-downs, or write-offs with respect to such Investment.

IRC” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect from time to time.

ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).

Issuer Document” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, a letter of credit application, a letter of credit agreement, or any other document, agreement or instrument entered into (or to be entered into) by a Borrower in favor of Issuing Lender or Underlying Issuer and relating to such Letter of Credit.

Issuing Lender” means WFCF or any other Lender that, at the request of Administrative Borrower and with the consent of Agent, agrees, in such Lender’s sole discretion, to become an Issuing Lender for the purpose of issuing Letters of Credit or Reimbursement Undertakings pursuant to Section 2.11 of the Agreement and Issuing Lender shall be a Lender.

 

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Landlord Reserve” means, as to each location at which any Loan Party has Inventory or books and records located and as to which a Collateral Access Agreement has not been received by Agent, (x) in the case of real property leased by the applicable Borrower, a reserve in an amount equal to the greater of (a) the number of months’ rent for which the landlord will have, under applicable law, a Lien in the Inventory of such Loan Party to secure the payment of rent or other amounts under the lease relative to such location, and (b) 3 months’ rent under the lease relative to such location and (y) in the case of any other location, a reserve in an amount determined by Co-Collateral Agents in their Permitted Discretion.

Lease” means a lease, license, concession, occupancy agreement or other agreement (written or oral, now or at any time in effect) which grants to any Person a possessory interest in, or the right to use, all or any part of a parcel of Real Property.

Leased Real Property” means any leasehold interest in Real Property of any Loan Party as lessee, sublessee or the like under any Lease.

Lender” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to the Agreement, shall include Issuing Lender and the Swing Lender, and shall also include any other Person made a party to the Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 13.1 of the Agreement and “Lenders” means each of the Lenders or any one or more of them.

Lender Group” means each of the Lenders (including Issuing Lender and the Swing Lender), each of the Co-Collateral Agents and Agent, or any one or more of them.

Lender Group Expenses” means all (a) costs or expenses (including taxes and insurance premiums) required to be paid by Parent or its Subsidiaries under any of the Loan Documents that are paid, advanced, or incurred by the Lender Group, (b) documented out-of-pocket fees or charges paid or incurred by Agent and each Co-Collateral Agent in connection with the Lender Group’s transactions with Parent or its Subsidiaries under any of the Loan Documents, including, fees or charges for background checks, OFAC/PEP searches, photocopying, notarization, couriers and messengers, telecommunication, public record searches, filing fees, recording fees, publication, appraisal (including periodic collateral appraisals or business valuations to the extent of the fees and charges (and up to the amount of any limitation) contained in the Agreement or the Fee Letter), real estate surveys, real estate title policies and endorsements, and environmental audits, (c) Agent’s customary fees and charges (as adjusted from time to time) with respect to the disbursement of funds (or the receipt of funds) to or for the account of Borrowers (whether by wire transfer or otherwise), together with any out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, (d) customary charges imposed or incurred by Agent resulting from the dishonor of checks payable by or to any Loan Party, (e) reasonable documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses paid or incurred by the Lender Group to correct any default or enforce any provision of the Loan Documents, or during the continuance of an Event of Default, in gaining possession of, maintaining, handling, preserving, storing, shipping, selling, preparing for sale, or advertising to sell the Collateral, or any portion thereof, irrespective

 

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of whether a sale is consummated, (f) field examination, appraisal, and valuation fees and expenses of Agent and each Co-Collateral Agent related to any field examinations, appraisals, or valuation to the extent of the fees and charges (and up to the amount of any limitation) provided in Section 2.10 of the Agreement, (g) Agent’s reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable documented attorneys’ fees and expenses) relative to third party claims or any other lawsuit or adverse proceeding paid or incurred, whether in enforcing or defending the Loan Documents or otherwise in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, Agent’s Liens in and to the Collateral, or the Lender Group’s relationship with Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, (h) Agent’s and each Co-Collateral Agent’s reasonable documented costs and expenses (including reasonable documented attorneys’ fees and due diligence expenses) incurred in advising, structuring, drafting, reviewing, administering (including travel, meals, and lodging), syndicating (including reasonable costs and expenses relative to CUSIP, DXSyndicate™, SyndTrak or other communication costs incurred in connection with a syndication of the loan facilities), or amending, waiving, or modifying the Loan Documents, (i) Agent’s, each Co-Collateral Agent and each Lender’s reasonable documented costs and expenses (including reasonable documented attorneys’, accountants’, consultants’, and other advisors’ fees and expenses) incurred in terminating, enforcing (including attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other advisors fees and expenses incurred in connection with any of the Bankruptcy Cases or with such other “workout,” a “restructuring,” or an Insolvency Proceeding concerning Parent or any of its Subsidiaries or in exercising rights or remedies under the Loan Documents), or defending the Loan Documents, irrespective of whether a lawsuit or other adverse proceeding is brought, or in taking any enforcement action or any Remedial Action with respect to the Collateral, including any such costs and expenses incurred in connection with any action to lift the automatic stay of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any other action or participation by any member of the Lender Group in the Bankruptcy Cases, including any contested matters or adversary proceedings, to the extent related to any of the foregoing, and (j) the fees, charges, commissions and costs provided for in Section 2.11(j) of the Agreement (including any fronting fees) and all other fees, charges, commissions, costs and expenses for amendments, renewals, extensions, transfers, or drawings from time to time charged by the Underlying Issuer or incurred or charged by Issuing Lender in respect of Letters of Credit and out-of-pocket fees, costs, and expenses charged by the Underlying Issuer or incurred or charged by Issuing Lender in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal, extension, or transfer of, or drawing under, any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder.

Lender Group Representatives” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.9 of the Agreement.

Lender-Related Person” means, with respect to any Lender, such Lender, together with such Lender’s Affiliates, officers, directors, employees, attorneys, and agents.

Letter of Credit” means a letter of credit (as that term is defined in the Code) issued by Issuing Lender or a letter of credit (as that term is defined in the Code) issued by Underlying Issuer, as the context requires.

Letter of Credit Collateralization” means either (a) providing cash collateral (pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to Agent, including provisions that specify

 

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that the Letter of Credit Fees and all fees, charges and commissions provided for in Section 2.11(j) of the Agreement (including any fronting fees) will continue to accrue while the Letters of Credit are outstanding) to be held by Agent for the benefit of the Revolving Lenders in an amount equal to 110% of the then existing Letter of Credit Usage, (b) delivering to Agent documentation executed by all beneficiaries under the Letters of Credit, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent and Issuing Lender, terminating all of such beneficiaries’ rights under the Letters of Credit, or (c) providing Agent with a standby letter of credit, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, from a commercial bank acceptable to Agent (in its sole discretion) in an amount equal to 110% of the then existing Letter of Credit Usage (it being understood that the Letter of Credit Fee and all fronting fees set forth in the Agreement will continue to accrue while the Letters of Credit are outstanding and that any such fees that accrue must be an amount that can be drawn under any such standby letter of credit).

Letter of Credit Disbursement” means a payment made by Issuing Lender or Underlying Issuer pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

Letter of Credit Exposure” means, as of any date of determination with respect to any Lender, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Letter of Credit Usage on such date.

Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.6(b) of the Agreement.

Letter of Credit Usage” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

LIBOR Deadline” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.12(b)(i) of the Agreement.

LIBOR Notice” means a written notice in the form of Exhibit L-1.

LIBOR Option” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.12(a) of the Agreement.

LIBOR Rate” means the rate per annum rate appearing on Macro*World’s (www.mworld.com; the “Service”) Page BBA LIBOR - USD (or on any successor or substitute page of such Service, or any successor to or substitute for such Service) 2 Business Days prior to the commencement of the requested Interest Period, for a term, and in an amount, comparable to the Interest Period and the amount of the LIBOR Rate Loan requested (whether as an initial LIBOR Rate Loan or as a continuation of a LIBOR Rate Loan or as a conversion of a Base Rate Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan) by Borrowers in accordance with the Agreement (and, if any such rate is below zero, the LIBOR Rate shall be deemed to be zero), which determination shall be made by Agent and shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

LIBOR Rate Loan” means each portion of a Revolving Loan that bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the LIBOR Rate.

 

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LIBOR Rate Margin” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Applicable Margin.

Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, charge, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, easement, lien (statutory or other), security interest, or other security arrangement and any other preference, priority, or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever, including any conditional sale contract or other title retention agreement, the interest of a lessor under a Capital Lease and any synthetic or other financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing, including all “liens” as defined by Section 101(37) of the Bankruptcy Code.

Loan” shall mean any Revolving Loan (including any Swing Loan or Extraordinary Advance) made (or to be made) hereunder.

Loan Account” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.9 of the Agreement.

Loan Documents” means the Agreement, the Financing Order, the Control Agreements, the Copyright Security Agreement, any Borrowing Base Certificate, the Fee Letter, the Guaranty and Security Agreement, the Intercompany Subordination Agreement, any Issuer Documents, the Letters of Credit, the Mortgages, the Patent Security Agreement, the Trademark Security Agreement, any note or notes executed by a Borrower in connection with the Agreement and payable to any member of the Lender Group, and any other instrument or agreement entered into, now or in the future, by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries and any member of the Lender Group in connection with the Agreement.

Loan Party” means any Borrower or any Guarantor.

Management Incentive Plan” means the management incentive plan proposed by the Loan Parties and in form and substance acceptable to Agent and Required Lenders.

Margin Stock” as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors as in effect from time to time.

Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse effect in the business, operations, results of operations, assets, liabilities or financial condition of Parent and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the Accelerated Learning Business taken as a whole, in each instance except for the filing, commencement and continuation of the Bankruptcy Cases and the events that customarily result from the filing, commencement and continuation of the Bankruptcy Cases (including any litigation resulting therefrom), (b) a material impairment of Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ ability to perform their obligations under the Loan Documents to which they are parties or of the Lender Group’s ability to enforce the Obligations or realize upon the Collateral (other than as a result of as a result of an action taken or not taken that is solely in the control of Agent), or (c) a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of Agent’s Liens with respect to all or a material portion of the Collateral as a result of an action or failure to act on the part of Parent or its Subsidiaries.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 27


Maturity Date” means June 30, 2013.

Maximum Revolver Amount” means $175,000,000, decreased by the amount of reductions in the Revolver Commitments made in accordance with Section 2.4(c) of the Agreement.

Milestones” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.16.

Moody’s” has the meaning specified therefor in the definition of Cash Equivalents.

Mortgages” means, individually and collectively, one or more mortgages, deeds of trust, or deeds to secure debt, executed and delivered by Parent or its Subsidiaries in favor of Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Co-Collateral Agents, that encumber the Real Property Collateral.

Net Cash Proceeds” means:

(a) with respect to any sale or disposition by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of assets, the amount of cash proceeds received (directly or indirectly) from time to time (whether as initial consideration or through the payment of deferred consideration) by or on behalf of Parent or its Subsidiaries, in connection therewith after deducting therefrom only (i) the amount of any Indebtedness secured by any Permitted Lien on any asset (other than (A) Indebtedness owing to Agent, any Co-Collateral Agent or any Lender under the Agreement or the other Loan Documents, (B) Indebtedness under the Split Lien Documents and (C) Indebtedness assumed by the purchaser of such asset) which is required to be, and is, repaid in connection with such sale or disposition, (ii) reasonable fees, commissions, and expenses in the Budget related thereto and required to be paid by Parent or such Subsidiary in connection with such sale or disposition, (iii) taxes paid or payable to any taxing authorities by Parent or such Subsidiary in connection with such sale or disposition, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that the amounts so deducted are, at the time of receipt of such cash, actually paid or payable to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, and are properly attributable to such transaction; and (iv) all amounts that are set aside as a reserve (A) for adjustments in respect of the purchase price of such assets, (B) for any liabilities associated with such sale or casualty, to the extent such reserve is required by GAAP, and (C) for the payment of unassumed liabilities relating to the assets sold or otherwise disposed of at the time of, or within 30 days after, the date of such sale or other disposition, to the extent that in each case the funds described above in this clause (iv) are (x) consented to by Agent in advance in writing and deposited into escrow with a third party escrow agent or set aside in a separate Deposit Account that is subject to a Control Agreement in favor of Agent and (y) paid to Agent as a prepayment of the applicable Obligations in accordance with Section 2.4(e) of the Agreement at such time when such amounts are no longer required to be set aside as such a reserve; and

(b) with respect to the issuance or incurrence of any Indebtedness by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, or the issuance by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries of any Equity Interests, the aggregate amount of cash received (directly or indirectly) from time to time

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 28


(whether as initial consideration or through the payment or disposition of deferred consideration) by or on behalf of Parent or such Subsidiary in connection with such issuance or incurrence, after deducting therefrom only (i) reasonable fees, commissions, and expenses in the Budget related thereto and required to be paid by Parent or such Subsidiary in connection with such issuance or incurrence, (ii) taxes paid or payable to any taxing authorities by Parent or such Subsidiary in connection with such issuance or incurrence, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that the amounts so deducted are, at the time of receipt of such cash, actually paid or payable to a Person that is not an Affiliate of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries, and are properly attributable to such transaction.

Net Recovery Percentage” means, as of any date of determination, the percentage of the book value of any category of Borrowers’ Inventory that is estimated to be recoverable in an orderly liquidation of such Inventory net of all associated costs and expenses of such liquidation, such percentage to be determined as to each category of Inventory and to be as specified in the most recent appraisal received by Agent from an appraisal company selected by Co-Collateral Agents, it being acknowledged and agreed that such percentages shall, to the extent set forth in such appraisal, vary between the “busy” season (initially, which shall be deemed to be the period commencing on May 1st through September 30 of each year or, thereafter, 30 days prior to the corresponding dates of the “busy” season set forth in any subsequent appraisal) and the “non-busy” season. For avoidance of doubt, Inventory of the type that Borrowers then have a supply of 52 weeks or more and less than 104 weeks (based on sales over the then preceding 12 consecutive month period) shall be considered one category and Inventory of the type that Borrowers then have a supply of more than 104 weeks (based on sales over the then preceding 12 consecutive month period) shall be considered a separate category.

Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 14.2(a) of the Agreement.

Non-Defaulting Lender” means each Lender other than a Defaulting Lender.

Obligations” means (a) all loans (including the Revolving Loans (inclusive of Extraordinary Advances and Swing Loans)), debts, principal, interest (including any interest that accrues after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any such Insolvency Proceeding), reimbursement or indemnification obligations with respect to Reimbursement Undertakings or with respect to Letters of Credit (irrespective of whether contingent), premiums, liabilities (including all amounts charged to the Loan Account pursuant to the Agreement), obligations (including indemnification obligations), fees (including the fees provided for in the Fee Letter), Lender Group Expenses (including any fees or expenses that accrue after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in whole or in part as a claim in any such Insolvency Proceeding), guaranties, and all covenants and duties of any other kind and description owing by any Loan Party arising out of, under, pursuant to, in connection with, or evidenced by the Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents and irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, and including all interest not paid when due and all other expenses or other amounts that any Borrower is required to pay or reimburse by the Loan

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 29


Documents or by law or otherwise in connection with the Loan Documents, (b) all debts, liabilities, or obligations (including reimbursement obligations, irrespective of whether contingent) owing by any Borrower or any other Loan Party to an Underlying Issuer now or hereafter arising from or in respect of an Underlying Letters of Credit, and (c) all Bank Product Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of Borrowers under the Loan Documents include the obligation to pay (i) the principal of the Revolving Loans, (ii) interest accrued on the Revolving Loans, (iii) the amount necessary to reimburse Issuing Lender for amounts paid or payable pursuant to Letters of Credit or Reimbursement Undertakings and the amount necessary to reimburse Underlying Issuer for amounts paid or payable pursuant to Letters of Credit, (iv) Letter of Credit commissions, charges, expenses, and fees, (v) Lender Group Expenses, (vi) fees payable under the Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and (vii) indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document. Any reference in the Agreement or in the Loan Documents to the Obligations shall include all or any portion thereof and any extensions, modifications, renewals, or alterations thereof, both prior and subsequent to any Insolvency Proceeding.

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

Other Science Projects” means the marketing units that are sub-segments of the Delta Business that offer grade 6-12 learning systems that integrate textbooks, equipment and technology under the CPO Science brand, a supplementary science curriculum under the NEO/SCI brand and SCIS brands, and a math curriculum, supplementary products and manipulatives primarily under the ThinkMath brand.

Other Statutory Liabilities” means accrued and unpaid statutory liabilities of the Loan Parties which may result in claims that have lien priority or priority of payment over all or any portion of the Obligations, are a statutory trust and/or which are legally required to be paid prior to the repayment in full of such Obligations, other than the amount of those liabilities included in the Carveout.

Originating Lender” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 13.1(e) of the Agreement.

Overadvance” means, as of any date of determination, that the Revolver Usage is greater than any of the limitations set forth in Section 2.1 or Section 2.11.

Parent” has the meaning specified therefor in the preamble to the Agreement.

Participant” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 13.1(e) of the Agreement.

Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1(i) of the Agreement.

Patent Security Agreement” has the meaning specified therefor in the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 30


Patriot Act” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 4.13 of the Agreement.

Permitted Discretion” means a determination made in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender) business judgment.

Permitted Dispositions” means:

(a) sales, abandonment, or other dispositions of Equipment that is substantially worn, damaged, or obsolete or no longer used or useful in the ordinary course of business and leases or subleases of Real Property not useful in the conduct of the business of Parent and its Subsidiaries,

(b) sales of Inventory to buyers in the ordinary course of business,

(c) the use or transfer of money or Cash Equivalents in a manner that is not prohibited by the terms of the Agreement or the other Loan Documents,

(d) the licensing, on a non-exclusive basis, of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of business,

(e) any sale or other disposition described in Schedule 5.16 or Schedule 6.4, and

(f) the making of Permitted Investments.

Permitted Indebtedness” means, without duplication:

(a) Indebtedness evidenced by the Agreement or the other Loan Documents, as well as Indebtedness owed to Underlying Issuers with respect to Underlying Letters of Credit,

(b) Existing Secured Obligations, including any Indebtedness reinstated by the Bankruptcy Court and constituting Reinstated Existing Secured Obligations,

(c) Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 4.14 to the Agreement,

(d) Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness,

(e) endorsement of instruments or other payment items for deposit,

(f) Permitted Surety Bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed $30,000,000,

(g) Indebtedness permitted to be incurred in accordance with the Financing Order,

(h) the incurrence by Parent or its Subsidiaries of Indebtedness under Hedge Agreements that are incurred for the bona fide purpose of hedging the interest rate, commodity, or foreign currency risks associated with Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ operations and not for speculative purposes,

 

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(i) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of credit cards, credit card processing services, debit cards, stored value cards, purchase cards (including so-called “procurement cards” or “P-cards”), or Cash Management Services,

(j) Indebtedness composing Permitted Investments,

(k) Indebtedness outstanding under the Existing Split Lien Documents,

(l) Indebtedness outstanding under the Split Lien Documents (and any refinancing of such Indebtedness to the extent such refinancing is permitted by, and subject to the terms of, the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement as in effect on the date hereof) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $50,000,000 (plus interest, fees and expenses paid in kind),

(m) Indebtedness under the Convertible Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $157,500,000 (plus accreted principal), and

(n) accrual of interest, accretion or amortization of original issue discount, or the payment of interest in kind, in each case, on Indebtedness that otherwise constitutes Permitted Indebtedness.

Permitted Intercompany Advances” means loans and other Investments made by (a) a Loan Party to another Loan Party other than Parent, (b) a Subsidiary of Parent that is not a Loan Party to another Subsidiary of Parent that is not a Loan Party, and (c) a Subsidiary of Parent that is not a Loan Party to a Loan Party, so long as the parties thereto are party to the Intercompany Subordination Agreement.

Permitted Investments” means:

(a) Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents,

(b) Investments in negotiable instruments deposited or to be deposited for collection in the ordinary course of business,

(c) advances made in connection with purchases of goods or services in the ordinary course of business,

(d) deposits of cash outstanding on the Filing Date made in the ordinary course of business to secure performance of operating leases,

(e) Permitted Intercompany Advances,

(f) Investments owned by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule P-1 to the Agreement, and

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 32


(g) Investments received in settlement of amounts due to any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries effected in the ordinary course of business or owing to any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of Insolvency Proceedings involving an account debtor or upon the foreclosure or enforcement of any Lien in favor of a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries.

Permitted Liens” means

(a) Liens granted to, or for the benefit of, Agent to secure the Obligations,

(b) Liens for unpaid taxes, assessments, or other governmental charges or levies that either (i) are not yet delinquent, or (ii) do not have priority over Agent’s Liens and the underlying taxes, assessments, or charges or levies are the subject of Permitted Protests,

(c) judgment Liens arising solely as a result of the existence of judgments, orders, or awards that do not constitute an Event of Default under Section 8.3 of the Agreement,

(d) Liens set forth on Schedule P-2 to the Agreement; provided, that to qualify as a Permitted Lien, any such Lien described on Schedule P-2 to the Agreement shall only secure the Indebtedness that it secures on the Closing Date,

(e) the interests of lessors under operating leases and non-exclusive licensors under license agreements,

(f) purchase money Liens or the interests of lessors under Capital Leases to the extent that such Liens or interests secure Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness and so long as (i) such Lien attaches only to the asset purchased or acquired and the proceeds thereof, and (ii) such Lien only secures the Indebtedness that was incurred to acquire the asset purchased or acquired,

(g) Liens arising by operation of law in favor of warehousemen, landlords, carriers, mechanics, materialmen, laborers, or suppliers, incurred in the ordinary course of business and not in connection with the borrowing of money, and which Liens either (i) are for sums not yet delinquent, or (ii) are the subject of Permitted Protests,

(h) Liens on amounts deposited to secure Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ obligations in connection with worker’s compensation or other unemployment insurance,

(i) Liens on amounts deposited to secure Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ obligations in connection with the making or entering into of bids, tenders, or leases in the ordinary course of business and not in connection with the borrowing of money,

(j) Liens on amounts deposited to secure Parent’s and its Subsidiaries reimbursement obligations with respect to Permitted Surety Bonds permitted pursuant to clause (f) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness,

(k) with respect to any Real Property, easements, rights of way, and zoning restrictions that do not materially interfere with or impair the use or operation thereof,

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 33


(l) Liens granted or authorized by the Financing Orders, including, without limitation, replacement Liens granted to Existing Agent,

(m) Liens on Collateral securing the Existing Split Lien Indebtedness,

(n) Liens on Collateral securing the Indebtedness under the Split Lien Documents subject to the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement,

(o) non-exclusive licenses of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of business and in existence on the Filing Date,

(p) rights of setoff or bankers’ liens upon deposits of funds in favor of banks or other depository institutions, solely to the extent incurred in connection with the maintenance of Deposit Accounts that are subject to Control Agreements in the ordinary course of business,

(q) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising on or prior to the Filing Date as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties not yet delinquent in connection with the importation of goods, and

(r) Liens granted to, or for the benefit of, Agent to secure the Existing Secured Obligations.

Permitted PMM/Capital Lease Debt” means Capitalized Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness with respect to fixed assets (i) outstanding on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 4.14 hereof and described as such on such Schedule and (ii) incurred after the Closing Date in an aggregate principal amount for all such Capitalized Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness not to exceed $500,000 outstanding at any time, provided that such Capitalized Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness are entered into in connection with, and at the time of or no later than 20 days after, the acquisition by the Borrowers of equipment useful and used in the ordinary course of the Borrowers’ business and the principal amount of such Capitalized Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness when incurred does not exceed the purchase price of the property financed, and no such Capitalized Lease Obligations and purchase money Indebtedness shall be refinanced for a principal amount in excess of the principal amount refinanced.

Permitted Priority Liens” means all Permitted Liens permitted to have priority over the Liens in favor of Agent and Lenders, solely to the extent that such Liens are valid, perfected and non-avoidable as of the Filing Date, subject to the terms of the Financing Order and otherwise agreed to by Agent.

Permitted Protest” means the right of Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to protest any Lien (other than any Lien that secures the Obligations), taxes (other than payroll taxes or taxes that are the subject of a United States federal tax lien), or rental payment, provided that (a) a reserve with respect to such obligation is established on Parent’s or its Subsidiaries’ books and records in such amount as is required under GAAP, (b) any such protest is instituted promptly and prosecuted diligently by Parent or its Subsidiary, as applicable, in good faith, and (c) Agent is satisfied that, while any such protest is pending, there will be no impairment of the enforceability, validity, or priority of any of Agent’s Liens.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 34


Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, Indebtedness (other than the Obligations, but including Capitalized Lease Obligations), incurred after the Closing Date and at the time of, or within 20 days after, the acquisition of any fixed assets for the purpose of financing all or any part of the acquisition cost thereof, in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not in excess of $500,000.

Permitted Senior Liens” means Permitted Liens which are non-consensual Permitted Liens, permitted purchase money Liens, the interests of lessors under Capital Leases, and, solely with respect to the Split Lien Priority Collateral, Liens securing the Indebtedness under the Split Lien Documents.

Permitted Surety Bonds” means unsecured guarantees and reimbursement obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business with respect to surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, completion guarantee and similar obligations.

Person” means natural persons, corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships, joint ventures, trusts, land trusts, business trusts, or other organizations, irrespective of whether they are legal entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof.

Planner Business” means the business unit comprised of Premier Agendas, Inc., Premier School Agendas, Ltd. and Select Agendas, Corp.

Platform” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.9(c) of the Agreement.

Product Development Expense” means, for any period, the capitalized cash investment on product development for such period.

Professional Fee Line Items” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 6.15 of the Agreement.

Projected Information” means (i) the projected weekly operating cash receipts for each week, (ii) the projected weekly disbursements for each week (iii) the projected net weekly cash flow for each week, (iv) the projected weekly net sales for each week, (v) the projected Availability for each week, (v) the projected aggregate principal amount of Obligations outstanding for each week and (vi) such other information that Agent may request.

Projections” means Parent’s forecasted (a) balance sheets, (b) profit and loss statements, and (c) cash flow statements, all prepared on a basis consistent with Parent’s historical financial statements, together with appropriate supporting details and a statement of underlying assumptions.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 35


Pro Rata Share” means, as of any date of determination:

(a) with respect to a Lender’s obligation to make all or a portion of the Revolving Loans, with respect to such Lender’s right to receive payments of interest, fees, and principal with respect to the Revolving Loans, and with respect to all other computations and other matters related to the Revolver Commitments or the Revolving Loans, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) the Revolving Loan Exposure of such Lender by (ii) the aggregate Revolving Loan Exposure of all Lenders,

(b) with respect to a Lender’s obligation to participate in the Letters of Credit, with respect to such Lender’s obligation to reimburse Issuing Lender, and with respect to such Lender’s right to receive payments of Letter of Credit fees, and with respect to all other computations and other matters related to the Letters of Credit, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) the Revolving Loan Exposure of such Lender by (ii) the aggregate Revolving Loan Exposure of all Lenders; provided, that if all of the Revolving Loans have been repaid in full and all Revolver Commitments have been terminated, but Letters of Credit remain outstanding, Pro Rata Share under this clause shall be determined as if the Revolver Commitments had not been terminated and based upon the Revolver Commitments as they existed immediately prior to their termination, and

(c) [intentionally omitted]

(d) with respect to all other matters and for all other matters as to a particular Lender (including the indemnification obligations arising under Section 15.7 of the Agreement), the percentage obtained by dividing (i) the Revolving Loan Exposure of such Lender by (ii) the aggregate Revolving Loan Exposure of all Lenders, in any such case as the applicable percentage may be adjusted by assignments permitted pursuant to Section 13.1; provided, that if all of the Loans have been repaid in full, all Letters of Credit have been made the subject of Letter of Credit Collateralization, and all Commitments have been terminated, Pro Rata Share under this clause shall be determined as if the Revolving Loan Exposures had not been repaid, collateralized, or terminated and shall be based upon the Revolving Loan Exposures as they existed immediately prior to their repayment, collateralization, or termination.

Protective Advances” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.3(d)(i) of the Agreement.

Public Lender” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.9(c) of the Agreement.

Qualified Cash” means, as of any date of determination, the amount of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of Parent and its Subsidiaries that is in Deposit Accounts or in Securities Accounts, or any combination thereof, and which such Deposit Account or Securities Account is the subject of a Control Agreement and is maintained by a branch office of the bank or securities intermediary located within the United States.

Qualified Equity Interest” means and refers to any Equity Interests issued by Parent (and not by one or more of its Subsidiaries) that is not a Disqualified Equity Interest.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 36


Rate Hedging Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries under (a) any and all agreements, devices or arrangements designed to protect any Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries from the fluctuations of interest rates, including interest rate exchange agreements, interest rate cap or collar protection agreements, and interest rate options, puts and warrants, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any of the foregoing.

Reading Business” means the literacy and intervention division of the Accelerated Learning Business.

Real Property” means any estates or interests in real property now owned or hereafter acquired by Parent or its Subsidiaries and the improvements thereto.

Real Property Collateral” means the Real Property identified on Schedule R-1 to the Agreement and any Real Property hereafter acquired by Parent or its Subsidiaries.

Receivable Reserves” means, as of any date of determination, those reserves that Co-Collateral Agents deem necessary or appropriate, in their Permitted Discretion and subject to Section 2.1(c), to establish and maintain (including reserves for rebates, discounts, warranty claims, and returns) with respect to the Eligible Accounts or the Maximum Revolver Amount.

Reconcilable Inclusion” means, with respect to the Accelerated Learning Business and the Planner Business, any inclusion within the Accelerated Learning Business or the Planner Business, respectively, of contracts, rights or other assets that (x) prior to such inclusion, were included in a different Business Segment, or (y) in the case of contracts, rights or other assets not previously included in a different Business Segment, are not consistent with the then-existing other contracts, rights and other assets of the Accelerated Learning Business or the Planner Business, respectively.

Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

Refinancing Indebtedness” means refinancings, renewals, or extensions of Indebtedness so long as:

(a) such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not result in an increase in the principal amount of the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended, other than by the amount of premiums paid thereon and the fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith and by the amount of unfunded commitments with respect thereto,

(b) such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not result in a shortening of the average weighted maturity (measured as of the refinancing, renewal, or extension) of the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended, nor are they on terms or conditions that, taken as a whole, are or could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders,

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 37


(c) if the Indebtedness that is refinanced, renewed, or extended was subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, then the terms and conditions of the refinancing, renewal, or extension must include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Lender Group as those that were applicable to the refinanced, renewed, or extended Indebtedness, and

(d) the Indebtedness that is refinanced, renewed, or extended is not recourse to any Person that is liable on account of the Obligations other than those Persons which were obligated with respect to the Indebtedness that was refinanced, renewed, or extended.

Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1(h) of the Agreement.

Registered Loan” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.1(h) of the Agreement.

Reimbursement Undertaking” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.11(a) of the Agreement.

Reinstated Existing Secured Obligations” means any Existing Secured Obligations constituting Avoided Payments, to the extent such obligations have been reinstated, in each case, pursuant to, and subject to the requirements and terms of the Bankruptcy Court.

Related Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course and that is administered, advised or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers, advises or manages a Lender.

Remedial Action” means all actions taken to (a) clean up, remove, remediate, contain, treat, monitor, assess, evaluate, or in any way address Hazardous Materials in the indoor or outdoor environment, (b) prevent or minimize a release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials so they do not migrate or endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor environment, (c) restore or reclaim natural resources or the environment, (d) perform any pre-remedial studies, investigations, or post-remedial operation and maintenance activities, or (e) conduct any other actions with respect to Hazardous Materials required by Environmental Laws.

Replacement Lender” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.13(b) of the Agreement.

Report” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 15.16 of the Agreement.

Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having or holding more than 50% of the sum of the aggregate Revolving Loan Exposure of all Lenders; provided, that (i) the Revolving Loan Exposure of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in the determination of the Required Lenders, and (ii) at any time there are 2 or more Lenders, “Required Lenders” must include at least 2 Lenders (who are not Affiliates of one another).

 

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Required Prepayment Date” means the earlier of (i) the date of a closing of a sale of all or substantially all of the Loan Parties’ assets pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or (ii) the effective date of a plan in any of the Bankruptcy Cases.

Reserves” means, as of any date of determination, those reserves (other than the Availability Reserve, Receivable Reserves, Bank Product Reserves, and Inventory Reserves) that Co-Collateral Agents deem necessary or appropriate, in their Permitted Discretion and subject to Section 2.1(c), to establish and maintain (including reserves with respect to (a) sums that Parent or its Subsidiaries are required to pay under any Section of the Agreement or any other Loan Document (such as taxes, assessments, insurance premiums, or, in the case of leased assets, rents or other amounts payable under such leases) and has failed to pay, and (b) amounts owing by Parent or its Subsidiaries to any Person to the extent secured by a Lien on, or trust over, any of the Collateral (other than a Permitted Lien), which Lien or trust, in the Permitted Discretion of Co-Collateral Agents likely would be pari passu with or have a priority superior to the Agent’s Liens (such as Liens or trusts in favor of landlords, warehousemen, carriers, mechanics, materialmen, laborers, or suppliers, or Liens or trusts for ad valorem, excise, sales, or other taxes where given priority under applicable law) in and to such item of the Collateral) with respect to the Borrowing Base or the Maximum Revolver Amount.

Restricted Payment” means to (a) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution, directly or indirectly, on account of Equity Interests issued by Parent (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Parent) or to the direct or indirect holders of Equity Interests issued by Parent in their capacity as such (other than dividends or distributions payable in Qualified Equity Interests issued by Parent, or (b) purchase, redeem, make any sinking fund or similar payment, or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including in connection with any merger or consolidation involving Parent) any Equity Interests issued by Parent, (c) make any payment to retire, or to obtain the surrender of, any outstanding warrants, options, or other rights to acquire Equity Interests of Parent now or hereafter outstanding, and (d) make, or cause or suffer to permit any of Parent’s Subsidiaries to make, any payment or prepayment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, or redemption, purchase, retirement, defeasance (including in-substance or legal defeasance), sinking fund or similar payment with respect to, any Subordinated Indebtedness.

Revolver Commitment” means, with respect to each Revolving Lender, its Revolver Commitment, and, with respect to all Revolving Lenders, their Revolver Commitments, in each case as such Dollar amounts are set forth beside such Revolving Lender’s name under the applicable heading on Schedule C-1 to the Agreement or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Revolving Lender became a Revolving Lender under the Agreement, as such amounts may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments made in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.1 of the Agreement.

Revolver Usage” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (a) the amount of outstanding Revolving Loans (inclusive of Swing Loans and Extraordinary Advances), plus (b) the amount of the Letter of Credit Usage.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 39


Revolving Lender” means a Lender that has a Revolver Commitment or that has an outstanding Revolving Loan.

Revolving Loan Exposure” means, with respect to any Revolving Lender, as of any date of determination (a) prior to the termination of the Revolver Commitments, the amount of such Lender’s Revolver Commitment, and (b) after the termination of the Revolver Commitments, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans of such Lender.

Revolving Loans” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.1(a) of the Agreement.

Rolling Two Week Test Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.15 of this Agreement.

Sale Motion” has the meaning set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

Sale Order” has the meaning set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement.

Sale/Leaseback Liabilities” means any amount or liability in respect of sale/leaseback or analogous transactions that is or is required under GAAP to be shown on the consolidated balance sheet of the Borrowers and their consolidated Subsidiaries.

Sanctioned Entity” means (a) a country or a government of a country, (b) an agency of the government of a country, (c) an organization directly or indirectly controlled by a country or its government, (d) a Person resident in or determined to be resident in a country, in each case, that is subject to a country sanctions program administered and enforced by OFAC.

Sanctioned Person” means a person named on the list of Specially Designated Nationals maintained by OFAC.

S&P” has the meaning specified therefor in the definition of Cash Equivalents.

SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any successor thereto.

Securities Account” means a securities account (as that term is defined in the Code).

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

Settlement” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.3(e)(i) of the Agreement.

Settlement Date” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.3(e)(i) of the Agreement.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 40


Single Test Week” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.15 of this Agreement.

Slow Moving Cap” means, initially, $5,000,000 as of the Closing Date and shall reduce as of the last day of each month thereafter by $138,889 .

Solvent” means, with respect to any Person as of any date of determination, that (a) at fair valuations, the sum of such Person’s debts (including contingent liabilities) is less than all of such Person’s assets, (b) such Person is not engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which the remaining assets of such Person are unreasonably small in relation to the business or transaction or for which the property remaining with such Person is an unreasonably small capital, and (c) such Person has not incurred and does not intend to incur, or reasonably believe that it will incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they become due (whether at maturity or otherwise), and (d) such Person is “solvent” or not “insolvent”, as applicable within the meaning given those terms and similar terms under applicable laws relating to fraudulent transfers and conveyances. For purposes of this definition, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability (irrespective of whether such contingent liabilities meet the criteria for accrual under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 5).

Split Lien Agent” means the “Term Loan Agent” as defined in the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

Split Lien Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof among Borrowers, Select Agendas, Corp., Split Lien Agent and the lenders from time to time party thereto, as amended from time to time to the extent permitted under the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

Split Lien Documents” means the “Term Loan Documents” as defined in the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof).

Split Lien Indebtednessmeans the Indebtedness under the Split Lien Credit Agreement and the Prepetition Term Loan Documents (as defined in the Split Lien Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof).

Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the date hereof between Agent and Split Lien Agent and acknowledged by the Loan Parties, as amended or modified from time to time.

Split Lien Priority Collateral” means the “Term Loan Priority Collateral” as defined in the Split Lien Intercreditor Agreement.

Split Lien Termination Date” means the date of the termination of all commitments to lend under the Split Lien Credit Agreement during the existence of a “Termination Date” as defined in the Split Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 41


Subordinated Indebtedness” means any unsecured Indebtedness of Parent or its Subsidiaries incurred from time to time that is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations and that (a) is only guaranteed by the Guarantors, (b) is not subject to scheduled amortization, redemption, sinking fund or similar payment and does not have a final maturity, in each case, on or before the date that is six months after the Maturity Date, (c) does not include any financial covenants or any covenant or agreement that is more restrictive or onerous on any Loan Party in any material respect than any comparable covenant in the Agreement, and (iv) contains customary subordination (including customary payment blocks during a payment default under any “senior debt” designated thereunder) and turnover provisions and shall be limited to cross-payment default and cross-acceleration to other “senior debt” designated thereunder.

Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity in which that Person directly or indirectly owns or controls the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity.

Swing Lender” means WFCF or any other Lender that, at the request of Administrative Borrower and with the consent of Agent agrees, in such Lender’s sole discretion, to become the Swing Lender under Section 2.3(b) of the Agreement.

Swing Loan” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.3(b) of the Agreement.

Swing Loan Exposure” means, as of any date of determination with respect to any Lender, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Swing Loans on such date.

Taxes” means any taxes, levies, imposts, duties, fees, assessments or other charges of whatever nature now or hereafter imposed by any jurisdiction or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, and all interest, penalties or similar liabilities with respect thereto.

Tax Lender” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 14.2(a) of the Agreement.

Test Period” means the Single Test Week and the Rolling Two Week Test Period.

Title Document Agent” means UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Inc. and any other Person selected by Borrower Representative after written notice by Borrower Representative to Agent who is reasonably acceptable to Agent to receive and retain possession of negotiable documents (as defined in Section 7-104 of the UCC) issued for any Inventory or other property of Borrowers in accordance with a Title Document Agency Agreement, such receipt and retention of possession being for the purpose of more fully perfecting and preserving Agent’s security interests in such negotiable documents and the property represented thereby. For avoidance of doubt, no Person shall be a Title Document Agent unless such Person has executed and delivered a Title Document Agency Agreement.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 42


Title Document Agency Agreement” means an agreement among a Borrower, a Title Document Agent, and Agent, in form and substance acceptable to Agent.

Trademark Security Agreement” has the meaning specified therefor in the Guaranty and Security Agreement.

UCP 600” means the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce and in effect as of July 1, 2007 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).

Underlying Issuer” means Wells Fargo or one of its Affiliates.

Underlying Letter of Credit” means a Letter of Credit that has been issued by an Underlying Issuer.

United States” means the United States of America.

Unused Line Fee” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 2.10(b) of the Agreement.

Variance Report” means a weekly variance report to be provided by Borrowers to Agent within three Business Days after the end of each fiscal week reflecting actual cash receipts and disbursements for (i) the prior fiscal week, (ii) the period from the beginning of the fiscal month which includes such fiscal week to the end of such fiscal week, (iii) the applicable Test Period of the Administrative Borrower, and (iv) the period from the beginning of the fiscal week ending February 2, 2013 to the end of such Test Period, in each case, reflecting the amount variance and, in the case of clause (iii), percentage variance of actual receipts and disbursements (on a line item basis) from those receipts and disbursements reflected in the most recently delivered thirteen-week cash flow forecast in the Budget for the corresponding periods (or, in the case of clause (iv) and with respect to past periods that are not covered in the most recently delivered thirteen-week cash flow forecast in the Budget, the latest thirteen-week cash flow forecast in the Budget that covers any such past period), an explanation of the reason for any such variance and compliance or non-compliance with the requirements set forth in Section 6.15.

Voidable Transfer” has the meaning specified therefor in Section 17.8 of the Agreement.

Week 1” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.15.

Week 2” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.15.

Wells Fargo” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association.

WFCF” means Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

 

Schedule 1.1 – Page 43