STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC. 6.50% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2019 Indenture Dated as of April18, 2011 U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee

 

 

 

 

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N.A.		means not applicable.
*		This Cross-Reference Table is not part of the Indenture.

 

 

 

 

Trust Indenture
Act Section			Indenture Section
317	(a)(1)		N.A.
	(a)(2)		N.A.
	(b)		N.A.
318	(a)		N.A.
	(b)		N.A.
	(c)		12.01

     

 

                  

		Page
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE			i

ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01 Definitions			1
Section 1.02 Other Definitions			14
Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act			14
Section 1.04 Rules of Construction			15

ARTICLE TWO
THE NOTES

Section 2.01 Form and Dating			15
Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication			16
Section 2.03 Methods of Receiving Payments on the Notes			17
Section 2.04 Registrar and Paying Agent			17
Section 2.05 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust			18
Section 2.06 Holder Lists			18
Section 2.07 Transfer and Exchange			18
Section 2.08 Replacement Notes			31
Section 2.09 Outstanding Notes			32
Section 2.10 Treasury Notes			32
Section 2.11 Temporary Notes			32
Section 2.12 Cancellation			32
Section 2.13 Defaulted Interest			33
Section 2.14 CUSIP Numbers			33

ARTICLE THREE
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee			33
Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed			34
Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption			34
Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption			35
Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption Price			35
Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed in Part			35
Section 3.07 Optional Redemption			36
Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption			36
Section 3.09 Repurchase Offer			36
Section 3.10 Application of Trust Money			38

 

 

              

ARTICLE FOUR
COVENANTS

		Page
Section 4.01 Payment of Notes			39
Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency			39
Section 4.03 Reports			40
Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate			40
Section 4.05 Taxes			41
Section 4.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws			41
Section 4.07 Liens			41
Section 4.08 Offer to Repurchase upon a Change of Control			42
Section 4.09 Payments for Consent			43
Section 4.10 Sale and Leaseback Transactions			43
Section 4.11 Guarantees			43

ARTICLE FIVE
SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01 Merger Consolidation or Sale of Assets			44

ARTICLE SIX
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.01 Events of Default			44
Section 6.02 Acceleration			46
Section 6.03 Other Remedies			46
Section 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults			47
Section 6.05 Control by Majority			47
Section 6.06 Limitation on Suits			47
Section 6.07 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment			48
Section 6.08 Collection Suit by Trustee			48
Section 6.09 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim			48
Section 6.10 Priorities			49
Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs			49

ARTICLE SEVEN
TRUSTEE

Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee			49
Section 7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee			50
Section 7.03 Individual Rights of Trustee			52
Section 7.04 Trustee’s Disclaimer			52
Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults			52
Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes			53
Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity			53
Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee			54
Section 7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.			55

 

 

 

 

		Page
Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification			55
Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company			55

ARTICLE EIGHT
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 8.01 Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance			55
Section 8.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge			56
Section 8.03 Covenant Defeasance			56
Section 8.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance			57
Section 8.05 Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions			58
Section 8.06 Repayment to the Company			59
Section 8.07 Reinstatement			59

ARTICLE NINE
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes			59
Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes			60
Section 9.03 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act			62
Section 9.04 Revocation and Effect of Consents			62
Section 9.05 Notation on or Exchange of Notes			62
Section 9.06 Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.			63

ARTICLE TEN
NOTE GUARANTEES

Section 10.01 Guarantee			63
Section 10.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability			64
Section 10.03 Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee			64
Section 10.04 Releases Following Sale of Assets			65

ARTICLE ELEVEN
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge			65
Section 11.02 Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions			66
Section 11.03 Repayment to the Company			66

ARTICLE TWELVE
MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls			67
Section 12.02 Notices			67
Section 12.03 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes			68
Section 12.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent			68

 

 

 

 

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Section 12.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion			68
Section 12.06 Rules by Trustee and Agents			69
Section 12.07 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders			69
Section 12.08 Governing Law			69
Section 12.09 Consent to Jurisdiction			69
Section 12.10 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements			70
Section 12.11 Successors			70
Section 12.12 Severability			70
Section 12.13 Counterpart Originals			70
Section 12.14 Acts of Holders			70
Section 12.15 Benefit of Indenture			71
Section 12.16 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.			71

EXHIBITS

Exhibit A1		FORM OF NOTE
Exhibit A2		FORM OF REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE
Exhibit B		FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
Exhibit C		FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
Exhibit D		FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE
Exhibit E		FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS

 

 

                       

 

          INDENTURE dated as of April 18, 2011 among Stewart Enterprises, Inc., a Louisiana corporation (the “Company”), the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, as trustee.

          The Company (as defined below), the Guarantors and the Trustee (as defined below) agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined below) of the 6.50% Senior Notes due 2019:

ARTICLE ONE
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01 Definitions.

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

          “Additional Interest” means all additional interest owing on the Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

          “Additional Notes” means an unlimited maximum aggregate principal amount of Notes (other than the Notes issued on the date hereof) issued under this Indenture in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof.

          “Affiliate” of any specified Person means (1) any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person or (2) any executive officer or director of such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise. For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” shall have correlative meanings.

          “Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent or co-registrar.

          “Applicable Premium” means, with respect to a Note at any redemption date, the greater of (1) 1.00% of the principal amount of such Note and (2) the excess of (a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of such Note on April 15, 2014 (such redemption price being set forth in the table in Section 3.07(a)) plus (ii) all remaining required interest payments due on such Note through April 15, 2014 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (b) the principal amount of the Note.

             

             

 

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

          “Attributable Debt” in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction of the type referred to in Section 4.10 hereof means, at the time of determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such a sale and leaseback transaction, including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended. Such present value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP.

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

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

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

          “Board Resolution” means a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification.

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

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

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

          “Capital Stock” means (i) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock; (ii) in the case of an association or a business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock; (iii) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and (iv) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.

 

               

 

          “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act); (ii) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (iii) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than the Principals, becomes the ultimate Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company; (iv) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company are not Continuing Directors; or (v) the Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into the Company, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Company or such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where (A) the Voting Stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction is converted into or exchanged for Voting Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the surviving or transferee Person constituting a majority of the outstanding shares of such Voting Stock of such surviving or transferee Person (immediately after giving effect to such issuance) or, if the Company survives the merger, the Voting Stock of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitutes a majority of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the Company immediately after the transaction, and (B) immediately after such transaction, no “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than the Principals, becomes, directly or indirectly, the ultimate Beneficial Owner of 35% or more of the voting power of the Voting Stock of the surviving or transferee Person.

          “Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme, Luxembourg.

          “Company” means Stewart Enterprises, Inc.

          “Consolidated Adjusted Net Tangible Assets” of any Person means, as of any date, the amount which, in accordance with GAAP, would be set forth under the caption “Total Assets” (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its Subsidiaries, as of the end of the most recently ended fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been provided to Holders of the Notes pursuant to Section 4.03 hereof, less (1) all intangible assets, including, without limitation, goodwill, organization costs, patents, trademarks, copyrights, franchises, and research and development costs; (2) preneed funeral receivables and trust investments, preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments, deferred charges and cemetery perpetual care trust investments (or, in each case, its equivalent); and (3) current liabilities.

          “Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Company who: (i) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date hereof; or (ii) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election.

 

               

 

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

          “Credit Facilities” means one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the existing senior secured revolving credit facility) or commercial paper facilities, in each case with banks or other lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing or letters of credit, in each case as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time; provided, however, that any such amendment, restatement, modification, renewal, refunding, replacement or refinancing is, in each case, with banks or other lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing or letters of credit.

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

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

          “Definitive Note” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.07 hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto.

          “Depositary” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.04 hereof as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture.

          “Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is one year after the date on which the Notes mature. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control will not constitute Disqualified Stock if (1) the “change of control” provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are no more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than the provision in Section 4.08 hereof and (2) such Capital Stock specifically provides that such Person will not repurchase or redeem any such stock pursuant to such provision prior to the Company’s repurchase of such Notes as are required to be repurchased pursuant to Section 4.08. The term “Disqualified Stock” shall also include any options, warrants or other rights that are convertible into Disqualified Stock or that are redeemable at the option of the holder, or required to be redeemed, prior to the date that is one year after the date on which the Notes mature.

 

                  

 

          “Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company that was formed under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

          “Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System.

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

          “Exchange Notes” means the Notes issued in the Exchange Offer in accordance with Section 2.07(f) hereof.

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

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

          “Excluded Subsidiary” means (a) Investors Trust, Inc., for so long as it is a regulated trust company; (b) West Lawn Cemetery, for so long as it is subject to regulatory restrictions prohibiting the execution of a Note Guarantee; (c) each of Fine Finishes, Inc. and Taylor M. Simpson Co., for so long as it is inactive; (d) each of Lake Lawn Park, LLC, Rest Hills Memorial Park, Inc. and Heaven’s Pets at Lakelawn Metairie, LLC, for so long as it is an immaterial non-wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary; and (e) any future Domestic Subsidiary (i) for so long as it is subject to regulatory restrictions that prohibit the execution of a Note Guarantee, or (ii) that is an immaterial non-wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary, each as certified to the Trustee pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate.

          “Fair Market Value” means the price that would be paid in an arm’s-length transaction between an informed and willing seller under no compulsion to sell and an informed and willing buyer under no compulsion to buy, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.

          “Funded Debt” means Indebtedness for money borrowed which by its terms matures at or is extendible or renewable at the option of the obligor to a date more than 12 months after the date of the creation of such Indebtedness.

          “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the opinions and pronouncements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entities as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect on the Issue Date.

          “Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.07(g)(ii), which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.

          “Global Notes” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes, substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 or A2

 

                      

 

hereto, as appropriate, issued in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.07(b), 2.07(d) or 2.07(f) of this Indenture.

          “Government Securities” means securities that are direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged.

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

          “Guarantors” means: (i) each direct or indirect Domestic Subsidiary of the Company (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) on the Issue Date; and (ii) any other Subsidiary that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture; and their respective successors and assigns until released from their obligations under their Note Guarantees and this Indenture in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

          “Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person under: (i) interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements, interest rate collar agreements and other agreements or arrangements with respect to exposure to interest rates; (ii) commodity swap agreements, commodity option agreements, forward contracts and other agreements or arrangements with respect to exposure to commodity prices; and (iii) foreign exchange contracts, currency swap agreements and other agreements or arrangements with respect to exposure to foreign currency exchange rates.

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

          “Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent:

     (i) in respect of borrowed money;

     (ii) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments;

     (iii) evidenced by letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), but excluding obligations with respect to letters of credit (including trade letters of credit) securing obligations (other than obligations described in clauses (i) or (ii) above or clauses (v), (vi) or (viii) below) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if drawn upon, to the extent such drawing is reimbursed no later than the third Business Day following receipt by such Person of a demand for reimbursement;

     (iv) in respect of banker’s acceptances;

     (v) in respect of Capital Lease Obligations and Attributable Debt;

 

                 

 

     (vi) in respect of the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable;

     (vii) representing Hedging Obligations, other than Hedging Obligations that are incurred for the purpose of fixing, hedging or swapping interest rate, commodity price or foreign currency exchange rate risk (or to reverse or amend any such agreements previously made for such purposes), and not for speculative purposes, and that do not increase the Indebtedness of the obligor outstanding at any time other than as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, commodity prices or foreign currency exchange rates or by reason of fees, indemnities and compensation payable thereunder; or

     (viii) representing Disqualified Stock valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends;

if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term “Indebtedness” includes (x) all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person), provided that the amount of such Indebtedness shall be the lesser of (A) the Fair Market Value of such asset at such date of determination and (B) the amount of such Indebtedness, and (y) to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person. For purposes hereof, the “maximum fixed repurchase price” of any Disqualified Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock as if such Disqualified Stock were repurchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to this Indenture, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the Fair Market Value of such Disqualified Stock, such fair market shall be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the issuer of such Disqualified Stock.

          The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and, with respect to contingent obligations, the maximum liability upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation, and shall be: (i) the accreted value thereof, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount; and (ii) the principal amount thereof, together with any interest thereon that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness;

provided that Indebtedness shall not include: (a) any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes, (b) performance, surety or appeal bonds provided in the ordinary course of business, (c) any liability arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business, provided, however, that such liability is extinguished within five Business Days of its incurrence, or (d) agreements providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, or Guarantees or letters of credit, surety bonds or performance bonds securing any obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to such agreements, in any case incurred in connection with the disposition or acquisition of any business, assets or Subsidiary (other than Guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business,

 

            

 

assets or Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition), so long as, in the case of a disposition, the principal amount does not exceed the gross proceeds actually received by the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with such disposition.

          “Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

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

          “Issue Date” means the date on which the initial $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes were originally issued under this Indenture.

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

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

          “Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.

          “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service and any successor thereof.

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

          “Notes” means the 6.50% Senior Notes due 2019 of the Company issued on the date hereof and the Exchange Notes. The Notes and the Additional Notes, if any, shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture.

          “Note Guarantee” means a Guarantee of the Notes on an unsubordinated basis pursuant to this Indenture.

          “Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the president, the chief operating officer, the chief financial officer, the chief accounting officer, the treasurer, any assistant treasurer, the controller, the secretary, any assistant secretary or any vice-president of such Person.

          “Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by at least two Officers of the Company, one of whom must be the chief executive officer, the chief

 

               

 

financial officer, the treasurer or the chief accounting officer of the Company, that meets the requirements of Section 12.05 hereof.

          “Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee (who may be counsel to or an employee of the Company), that meets the requirements of Section 12.05 hereof.

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

          “Permitted Liens” means:

     (i) Liens on the assets of the Company and any Subsidiary of the Company securing Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $355 million;

     (ii) Liens in favor of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company;

     (iii) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with or into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company;

     (iv) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such acquisition and do not extend to any property other than the property so acquired by the Company or its Subsidiary;

     (v) Liens on current assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company;

     (vi) Liens existing on the Issue Date (other than such Liens permitted by clause (i) above);

     (vii) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business, and not otherwise included under the definition of “Permitted Liens” herein, of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with respect to Indebtedness that does not exceed $20.0 million at any one time outstanding;

     (viii) Liens securing Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) incurred to finance the construction, purchase or lease of, or repairs, improvements or additions to, property of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such Lien shall attach only to the assets constructed, purchased, leased or improved, and the Indebtedness (other than any interest thereon) secured by such Lien may not be incurred more than 180 days after the later of the acquisition, completion of construction,

 

                  

 

repair, improvement, addition or commencement of full operation of the property subject to such Lien;

     (ix) Any extensions, renewals or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or replacements of any Liens permitted under clauses (iii), (iv), (vi) and (viii) above; provided that (a) the principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby shall not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness secured prior to such extension, renewal or replacement and (b) such extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to all or part of the assets that secured the Lien so extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements and construction on such real property);

     (x) Liens to secure Indebtedness incurred in connection with industrial revenue or development bond financing, which Liens extend solely to the property which is the subject thereof;

     (xi) (a) Statutory Liens of landlords, (b) Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen and (c) other Liens arising in the ordinary course of business and in existence less than 90 days from the date of creation thereof for amounts not yet due or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, and with respect to which adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance with GAAP, which Liens are not yet exercisable to effect the sale or seizure of property subject thereto;

     (xii) Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

     (xiii) judgment Liens not giving rise to a Default so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which the proceedings may be initiated has not expired;

     (xiv) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of credit in the ordinary course of business which encumber documents and other assets relating to such letters of credit and products and proceeds thereof; and

     (xv) Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory, regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements of the Company or any Subsidiary, including rights of offset and setoff.

     “Permitted Transferee” means:

     (1) the spouse and any lineal descendant (including adopted children) of Frank B. Stewart, Jr., and any spouse of any such lineal descendant (all such spouses and lineal descendants being hereinafter referred to as “Family Members”);

 

                

 

     (2) the trustee of a trust for the sole benefit of Frank B. Stewart, Jr. or Family Members;

     (3) (i) a partnership made up exclusively of Frank B. Stewart, Jr. and/or Family Members, or (ii) a corporation wholly-owned by Frank B. Stewart, Jr. and/or Family Members, provided, however, that as of the date that such partnership or corporation is no longer comprised of or owned exclusively by Frank B. Stewart, Jr. and/or Family Members, such partnership or corporation will no longer be a Permitted Transferee; or

     (4) the executor, administrator or personal representative of the estate of Frank B. Stewart, Jr. or any Family Member, or the guardian or conservator of Frank B. Stewart, Jr. or any Family Member who has been adjudged disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction.

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

          “Principals” means Frank B. Stewart, Jr. or any Permitted Transferee.

          “Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.07(g)(i) to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture.

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

          “Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated the date of this Indenture, among the Company, the Guarantors, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., BBVA Securities Inc., and Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.

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

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

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

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

 

                        

 

          “Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the Corporate Trust Administration of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

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

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

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

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

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

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

          “Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.

          “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

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

          “Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that would constitute a “significant subsidiary” within the meaning of Article 1 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act; provided, however, that for purposes of this Indenture and the Notes, 5% shall be substituted for 10% in each place that it appears in such definition.

          “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group and any successor thereof.

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

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

 

                    

 

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

          “Temporary Regulation S Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.07(h) hereof, which is required to be placed on the Regulation S Temporary Global Note.

          “TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date on which this Indenture is qualified under the TIA.

          “Treasury Rate” means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the date fixed for prepayment (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source for similar market data)) most nearly equal to the then-remaining term of the Notes to April 15, 2014; provided, however, that if the then-remaining term of the Notes to April 15, 2014 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate will be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the then-remaining term of the Notes to April 15, 2014 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.

          “Trustee” means U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

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

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

          “U.S. Person” means a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902(k) of Regulation S under the Securities Act.

          “Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

 

               

 

Section 1.02 Other Definitions.

		Defined in
Term		Section
“Authentication Order”			2.02
“Change of Control Offer”			4.08
“Change of Control Payment”			4.08
“Change of Control Payment Date”			4.08
“Covenant Defeasance”			8.03
“DTC”			2.01
“Event of Default”			6.01
“Legal Defeasance”			8.02
“Offer Amount”			3.09
“Offer Period”			3.09
“offshore transaction”			2.07
“Patriot Act”			12.18
“Paying Agent”			2.04
“Payment Default”			6.01
“Purchase Date”			3.09
“Registrar”			2.04
“Related Judgment”			12.09
“Related Proceedings”			12.09
“Repurchase Offer”			3.09
“Resale Restriction Termination Date”			2.07
“Specified Courts”			12.09

Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.

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

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

          “indenture securities” means the Notes;

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

          “indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture;

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

          “obligor” on the Notes means the Company and any successor obligor upon the Notes.

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

 

                   

 

Section 1.04 Rules of Construction.

          Unless the context otherwise requires:

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

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

          (c) “or” is not exclusive;

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

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

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

ARTICLE TWO
THE NOTES

Section 2.01 Form and Dating.

          (a) General. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 or A2 hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes shall be (i) initially issued in registered, global form without interest coupons and (ii) only shall be in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

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

          (b) Global Notes. Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 or A2 attached hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto) which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Trustee, as custodian for The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and registered in the name of the Depository or the nominee of The Depository. Notes issued in definitive form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 attached hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Each Global Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount of

 

                        

 

outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.07 hereof.

          (c) Temporary Global Notes. Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued initially in the form of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Trustee, as custodian for DTC in New York, New York, and registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary for the accounts of designated agents holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The Restricted Period shall be terminated upon the receipt by the Trustee of (i) a written certificate from Euroclear and Clearstream certifying that they have received certification of Beneficial Ownership of 100% of the aggregate principal amount at maturity of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note by non-U.S. persons (except to the extent of any Beneficial Owners thereof who acquired an interest therein during the Restricted Period pursuant to another exemption from registration under the Securities Act and who shall take delivery of a beneficial ownership interest in a 144A Global Note bearing a Private Placement Legend, all as contemplated by Section 2.07(b)(ii) hereof), and (ii) an Officers’ Certificate from the Company. Following the termination of the Restricted Period, beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note shall be exchanged for beneficial interests in Regulation S Permanent Global Notes pursuant to the Applicable Procedures. Simultaneously with the authentication of Regulation S Permanent Global Notes, the Trustee shall cancel the Regulation S Temporary Global Note. The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Temporary Global Note and the Regulation S Permanent Global Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee and the Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, in connection with transfers of interest as hereinafter provided.

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

Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication.

          Two Officers of the Company shall sign the Notes for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.

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

 

                    

 

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

          The aggregate principal amount of Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

          The Trustee shall, upon a written order of the Company signed by two Officers of the Company (an “Authentication Order”), authenticate Notes for original issue with an unlimited maximum aggregate principal amount, of which $200 million will be issued on the date of this Indenture. The Authentication Order shall direct the Trustee to authenticate the Notes and set forth the amount of Notes to be authenticated, the names in which the Notes are to be registered and where the Notes are to be delivered.

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

Section 2.03 Methods of Receiving Payments on the Notes.

          If a Holder of Notes has given wire transfer instructions to the Company at least 10 Business Days prior to the applicable payment date, the Company shall pay all principal, interest and premium and Additional Interest, if any, on that Holder’s Notes in accordance with those instructions. All other payments on Notes shall be made at the office or agency of the Paying Agent and Registrar within the City and State of New York unless the Company elects to make interest payments by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders; provided that all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest (including Additional Interest, if any) with respect to Global Notes registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified by DTC.

Section 2.04 Registrar and Paying Agent.

          The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“Paying Agent”). The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to any Holder. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

          The Company initially appoints DTC to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

 

                            

 

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

Section 2.05 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

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

Section 2.06 Holder Lists.

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

Section 2.07 Transfer and Exchange.

          (a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. All Global Notes shall be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes if (i) the Company delivers to the Trustee notice from the Depositary that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary or that it is no longer a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 120 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary; (ii) the Company in its sole discretion determines that the Global Notes (in whole but not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and delivers a written notice to such effect to the Trustee; provided that in no event shall the Regulation S Temporary Global Note be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes prior to (x) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act; or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes. Upon the occurrence of either of the preceding events in (i), (ii) or (iii) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes also may be

 

                   

 

exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.08 and 2.11 hereof. Except as otherwise provided above in this Section 2.07(a), every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.07 or Section 2.08 or 2.11 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.07(a), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.07(b), (c) or (f) hereof.

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

     (i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. Except as required pursuant to the Private Placement Legend, no written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.07(b)(i).

     (ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.07(b)(i) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either (A) (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase or (B) (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (1) above; provided that in no event shall Definitive Notes be issued upon the transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note prior to (x) the expiration of the

 

               

 

Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903 under the Securities Act. Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 2.07(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.07(b)(ii) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount at maturity of the relevant Global Notes pursuant to Section 2.07(i) hereof.

     (iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.07(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

     (iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in the Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any Holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.07(b)(ii) above and:

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

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

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

 

                

 

     (D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

                       

 

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

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

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

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

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

the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.07(i) hereof, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.07(c)(i) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the Holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.07(c)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.

     (ii) Beneficial Interests in Regulation S Temporary Global Note to Definitive Notes. Notwithstanding Sections 2.07(c)(i)(A) and (C) hereof, a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Temporary Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note prior to (x) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.

     (iii) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such

 

                               

 

beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note as permitted by this Indenture or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note as permitted by this Indenture only if:

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

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

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

     (D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

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

     (iv) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If any Holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note as permitted by this Indenture or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.07(b)(ii) hereof, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.07(i) hereof, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate

 

                             

 

and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions an Unrestricted Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.07(c)(iv) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the Holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.07(c)(iv) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

                       

 

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

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

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

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

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

     (D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

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

 

                   

 

     Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.07(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.

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

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

          (e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.07(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.07(e).

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

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

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

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

 

                            

 

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

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

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

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

     (D) the Registrar receives the following:

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

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

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

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

          (f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02, the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one

 

                        

 

or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (x) they are not Broker-Dealers, (y) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (z) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company, and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer and (ii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer. Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount. Any Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Exchange Offer, and Exchange Notes issued in connection with the Exchange Offer, shall be treated as a single class of securities under this Indenture.

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

     (i) Private Placement Legend. Except as permitted below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:

THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY STATE OR FOREIGN SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE WHICH IS ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON) (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER”

 

                 

 

AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (i) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (D) PRIOR TO THE END OF THE 40-DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (E) PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND (ii) IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THIS NOTE IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR TO THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF A HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraph (b)(iv), (c)(iii), (c)(iv), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) to this Section 2.07 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

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

THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.12 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.

 

                       

 

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

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

          (i) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.12 hereof. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

          (j) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

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

     (ii) No service charge shall be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.11, 3.06, 3.09, 4.08 and 9.05 hereof).

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

     (iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same

 

               

 

benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

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

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

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

     (viii) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.07 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile with the original to follow by first class mail.

     (ix) In connection with any transfer of any Note, the Trustee and the Company shall be entitled to receive, shall be under no duty to inquire into, may conclusively presume the correctness of, and shall be fully protected in relying upon the certificates, opinions and other information referred to herein (or in the forms provided herein, attached hereto or to the Notes, or otherwise) received from any Holder and any transferee of any Note regarding the validity, legality and due authorization of any such transfer, the eligibility of the transferee to receive such Note and any other facts and circumstances related to such transfer.

Section 2.08 Replacement Notes.

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

          Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Company and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

 

              

 

Section 2.09 Outstanding Notes.

          The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.10 hereof, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note; however, Notes held by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company shall not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of Section 3.07(b) hereof.

          If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.

          If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

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

Section 2.10 Treasury Notes.

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

Section 2.11 Temporary Notes.

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

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

Section 2.12 Cancellation.

          The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes

             

              

 

surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of canceled Notes in accordance with its procedures for the disposition of canceled securities in effect as of the date of such disposition (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act). Certification of the disposition of all canceled Notes shall be delivered to the Company. The Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section 2.13 Defaulted Interest.

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

Section 2.14 CUSIP Numbers.

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

ARTICLE THREE
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT;
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee.

          If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07 hereof, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth (i) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price.

 

               

 

Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.

          If less than all of the outstanding Notes are to be redeemed or purchased in an offer to purchase at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed or purchased among the Holders of the Notes in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or in accordance with any other method the Trustee considers fair and appropriate. In the event of partial redemption by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption.

          The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption, the principal amount at maturity thereof to be redeemed. No Notes in amounts of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, shall be redeemed. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.

Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.

          Subject to the provisions of Section 3.10 hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Company shall mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address.

          The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state:

          (a) the redemption date;

          (b) the redemption price;

     (c) if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note shall be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note;

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

     (e) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price and become due on the date fixed for redemption;

     (f) that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest, and Additional Interest, if any, on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

 

                

 

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

     (h) the CUSIP or ISIN or similar numbers, if applicable; and

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

          At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at its expense; provided, however, that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least 45 days prior to the redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph. The notice, if mailed in the manner provided herein shall be presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice.

Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption.

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

Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption Price.

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

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

Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed in Part.

          Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Company a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered. No Notes in denominations of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part.

 

              

 

Section 3.07 Optional Redemption.

          (a) Except as set forth in clause (b) of this Section 3.07, the Company shall not have the option to redeem the Notes pursuant to this Section 3.07 prior to April 15, 2014. On or after April 15, 2014, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon, to the applicable redemption date, subject to the rights of the Holders of the Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 15 of the years indicated below:

Year		Percentage
2014			104.875	%
2015			103.250	%
2016			101.625	%
2017 and thereafter			100.000	%

          (b) At any time prior to April 15, 2014, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) the Applicable Premium as of the date of redemption, plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon, to the applicable redemption date, subject to the rights of the Holders of the Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date.

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

Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption.

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

Section 3.09 Repurchase Offer.

          In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.08 hereof, the Company shall be required to commence an offer to all Holders to purchase their respective Notes (a “Repurchase Offer”), it shall follow the procedures specified below.

          The Repurchase Offer shall remain open for a period of 30 Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the “Offer Period”). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “Purchase Date”), the Company shall purchase the principal amount of Notes required to be purchased pursuant to Section 4.08 hereof (the “Offer Amount”) or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered in response to the Repurchase

 

             

 

Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made in the same manner as interest payments are made.

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

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

     (a) that the Repurchase Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 4.08 hereof, and the length of time the Repurchase Offer shall remain open;

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

     (c) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrete or accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any;

     (d) that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any Note (or portion thereof) accepted for payment pursuant to the Repurchase Offer shall cease to accrete or accrue interest and Additional Interest, if any, after the Purchase Date;

     (e) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to a Repurchase Offer may elect to have Notes purchased only in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof;

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

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

     (h) that, if the aggregate amount of Notes surrendered by Holders exceeds the Offer Amount, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be purchased pursuant to the terms of Section 3.02 hereof (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Trustee

 

               

 

so that only Notes in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof shall be purchased); and

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

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

          The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act, and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes pursuant to a Repurchase Offer. To the extent that the provision of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 3.09, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 3.09, by virtue of such conflict.

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

Section 3.10 Application of Trust Money.

          All money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 11.02 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

               

 

ARTICLE FOUR
COVENANTS

Section 4.01 Payment of Notes.

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

          The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest, and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.

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

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

          The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Company in accordance with Section 2.04 of this Indenture.

 

              

 

Section 4.03 Reports.

          Whether or not required by the SEC, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company shall furnish (without exhibits) to the Trustee for forwarding to the Holders of the Notes, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations:

     (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file such Forms, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Company’s certified independent accountants; and

     (ii) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports.

          In addition, whether or not required by the SEC, the Company shall file a copy of all of the information and reports referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing) and make such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request. In addition, the Company and the Guarantors have agreed that, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, they will furnish to the Holders and to prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

          Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee under this Section 4.03 is for informational purchases only and the Trustee’s receipt of the foregoing shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contacted therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on Officers’ Certificates). The Trustee is under no duty to examine such reports, information or documents to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Indenture or to ascertain the correctness or otherwise of the information or the statements contained therein.

Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate.

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

 

              

 

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

          (b) So long as not contrary to the then current recommendations of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Officer’s Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.04(a) above shall be accompanied by a written statement of the Company’s independent public accountants (which shall be a firm of established national reputation) that in making the examination necessary for certification of the financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 4.03, nothing has come to their attention that would lead them to believe that the Company has violated any provisions of Article Four or Article Five hereof, insofar as they relate to accounting matters, or, if any such violation has occurred, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof, it being understood that such accountants shall not be liable directly or indirectly to any Person for any failure to obtain knowledge of any such violation.

          (c) The Company shall, so long as any of the Notes are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

Section 4.05 Taxes.

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

Section 4.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.

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

Section 4.07 Liens.

          The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other than Permitted Liens) upon any property or assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries, now owned or hereafter acquired, to secure any Indebtedness without providing that the Notes shall be secured equally and ratably with (or, in the case of subordinated Indebtedness, prior to) such other Indebtedness for so long as such other Indebtedness is so secured, unless, after giving

 

               

 

effect thereto, the aggregate amount of all such secured Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens) would not exceed 10.0% of Consolidated Adjusted Net Tangible Assets of the Company.

Section 4.08 Offer to Repurchase upon a Change of Control.

          (a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Notes shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such Holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the “Change of Control Payment”). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and stating (1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.08 and that all Notes tendered will be accepted for payment and (2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “Change of Control Payment Date”), and containing the other provisions required by Section 3.09. The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture relating to such Change of Control Offer, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue thereof.

          (b) By 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time on the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, (1) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered and (3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Company. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail or wire transfer to each Holder of Notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Company shall publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

          (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.08, the Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.08 and Section 3.09 hereof and all other provisions of this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

 

              

 

Section 4.09 Payments for Consent.

          The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder of Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all Holders of the Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

Section 4.10 Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

          The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any transaction with any Person (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries) providing for the leasing to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any real property which has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Subsidiary of the Company to such Person unless either:

     (1) the Company or such Subsidiary could create a Lien securing Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt of such sale and leaseback transaction without equally and ratably securing all the Notes pursuant Section 4.07 hereof; or

     (2) within 120 days after such transaction the Company applied (and in any such case the Company covenants that it will so apply) an amount equal to the greater of

     (a) the net proceeds of the sale of the real property leased pursuant to such transaction or

     (b) the Fair Market Value of the real property so leased at the time of entering into such transaction (as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors)

to the prepayment, repayment, redemption, reduction or retirement (other than pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund, mandatory redemption or mandatory prepayment provision or at maturity) of Funded Debt of the Company; provided that, in any event, the Company may enter into a sale and leaseback transaction covering that certain portion of ground bearing municipal address 1333 South Clearview Parkway, Jefferson, Louisiana 70121, together with all improvements thereon.

Section 4.11 Guarantees.

          (a) If the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acquires or creates another Domestic Subsidiary on or after the date of this Indenture (other than an Excluded Subsidiary), or an Excluded Subsidiary ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary, then that newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary, or former Excluded Subsidiary, must become a Guarantor and execute a supplemental indenture (in the form of Exhibit E hereto providing for the Guarantee of the payment of the Notes by such Domestic Subsidiary on the same basis as the Guarantors at the

 

              

 

time of the execution of such supplemental indenture) and deliver an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee.

          (b) The Company shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries which are not Guarantors, directly or indirectly, to Guarantee any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary that is a Guarantor unless such Subsidiary simultaneously executes and delivers a supplemental indenture providing for a Note Guarantee by such Subsidiary and delivers an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee.

ARTICLE FIVE
SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01 Merger Consolidation or Sale of Assets.

          The Company shall not, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation) or (2) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person or Persons, unless:

      (1) either: (a) the Company is the surviving corporation; or (b) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition shall have been made (i) is a corporation organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and (ii) assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes, this Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;

      (2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction no Default or Event of Default exists; and

      (3) each Guarantor, unless such Guarantor is the Person with which the Company has entered into a transaction under this covenant, shall have by amendment to its Note Guarantee confirmed that its Note Guarantee shall apply to the obligations of the Company or the surviving Person in accordance with the Notes and this Indenture.

          In addition, the Company may not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any other Person.

ARTICLE SIX
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.01 Events of Default.

          Each of the following is an Event of Default:

     (1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Additional Interest with respect to, the Notes;

 

              

 

     (2) default in payment when due (whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise) of the principal of, or premium, if any, on the Notes;

     (3) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions described in Section 4.08 or 5.01 hereof;

     (4) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for 30 days after written notice by the Trustee or Holders representing 25% or more of the aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding to comply with any of the other agreements in this Indenture;

     (5) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is Guaranteed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of this Indenture, if that default:

     (a) is caused by a failure to make any payment when due at the final maturity of such Indebtedness (a “Payment Default”); or

     (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity,

and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $15.0 million or more;

     (6) failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $15.0 million, which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days;

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

     (8) the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company (or any Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), pursuant to or within the meaning of Bankruptcy Law:

     (i) commences a voluntary case, or

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

 

           

 

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

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

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

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

     (i) is for relief against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company (or any Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), in an involuntary case, or

     (ii) appoints a custodian of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company (or any Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), for all or substantially all of the property of the Company, or

     (iii) orders the liquidation of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company (or any Subsidiaries that together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary),

     and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days.

Section 6.02 Acceleration.

          If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (8) or (9) of Section 6.01) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all principal, premium, if any, accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, of the Notes to be due and payable immediately by notice in writing to the Company specifying the Event of Default. Upon any such declaration, the Notes shall become due and payable immediately. If any Event of Default specified in clause (8) or (9) of Section 6.01 occurs and is continuing, then the principal, premium, if any, accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other action on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.

Section 6.03 Other Remedies.

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

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

 

              

 

Section 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults.

          Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee, may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or Additional Interest, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase) (provided, however, that the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration). The Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the requisite percentage of Holders have consented to such waiver and attaching copies of such consents. In case of any such waiver, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder and under the Notes, respectively. This Section 6.04 shall be in lieu of Section 316(a)(1)(B) of the TIA and such Section 316(a)(1)(B) of the TIA is hereby expressly excluded from this Indenture and the Notes, as permitted by the TIA. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 6.05 Control by Majority.

          Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or Additional Interest, if any) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest.

Section 6.06 Limitation on Suits.

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

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

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

     (c) such Holder of a Note or Holders of Notes offer and, if requested, provide to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense that might be incurred by it in connection with the request or direction;

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

 

         

 

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

          A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a Note.

Section 6.07 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.

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

Section 6.08 Collection Suit by Trustee.

          If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount of principal of, premium, if any, interest, and Additional Interest, if any, remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and premium, if any, and, to the extent lawful, interest and Additional Interest, if any, and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

Section 6.09 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company or any Guarantor (or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other securities or property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall

 

      

 

be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 6.10 Priorities.

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

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

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

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

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

Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.

          In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.07 hereof, or a suit by Holders of more than ten percent in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

ARTICLE SEVEN
TRUSTEE

Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee.

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

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

 

            

 

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

     (ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

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

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

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

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

          (d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section 7.01.

          (e) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers. The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this Indenture at the request of any Holders, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, costs, liability or expense that might be incurred by it in connection with the request or direction.

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

Section 7.02 Certain Rights of Trustee.

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

 

         

 

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

          (c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care. The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian or other Person employed to act hereunder.

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

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

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

          (g) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of such event is sent to the Trustee in accordance with Section 12.02 hereof, and such notice references the Notes.

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

          (i) The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fire; flood; terrorism; wars and other military disturbances; sabotage; epidemics; riots; interruptions; loss or malfunctions of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communication services; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority and governmental action.

 

     

 

          (j) Anything in this Indenture notwithstanding, in no event shall the Trustee be liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to loss of profit), even if the Company has been advised as to the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

          (k) The rights and remedies of the Trustee hereunder and under the other Note Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.

          (l) Except with respect to Section 4.01, the Trustee shall have no duty to inquire as to the performance by the Company of the covenants contained in Article Four or Article Five.

          (m) No Depositary shall be deemed an agent of the Trustee, and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any act or omission by any Depositary.

          (n) The Trustee shall not be required to give any note, bond or surety in respect of the trusts and powers under this Indenture.

Section 7.03 Individual Rights of Trustee.

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

Section 7.04 Trustee’s Disclaimer.

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

Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults.

          If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Notes are held in the form of a Global Note, the notice required to be provided hereunder shall be conclusively presumed to have been given if delivered

 

              

 

via facsimile, PDF or other electronic transmission to the Depositary or to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes, as the case may be, with accompanying instructions directing such Depositary or such Persons who are registered Holders of Notes to forward such notice to the beneficial holders of the Notes.

Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.

          Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with May 15, 2012, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a) (but if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also shall comply with TIA § 313(b)(2). The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).

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

Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity.

          The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder in accordance with a written schedule provided by the Trustee to the Company. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

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

          The obligations of the Company under this Section 7.07 to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee for reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute an additional obligation hereunder and, together with the Lien described below, shall survive the

  

             

 

satisfaction and discharge, and termination for any reason, of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee and each predecessor Trustee.

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

          When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(8) or (9) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

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

Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee.

          A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08.

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

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

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

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

     (d) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

          If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.

          If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company, or the Holders of Notes of at least 10% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition at the expense of the Company any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

 

              

 

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

          A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07 hereof shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

Section 7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.

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

Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.

          There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

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

Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

          The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein. The Trustee hereby waives any right to set-off any claim that it may have against the Company in any capacity (other than as Trustee and Paying Agent) against any of the assets of the Company held by the Trustee; provided, however, that if the Trustee is or becomes a lender of any other Indebtedness permitted hereunder to be pari passu with the Notes, then such waiver shall not apply to the extent of such Indebtedness.

ARTICLE EIGHT
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 8.01 Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

          The Company may, at the option of the Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, at any time, elect to have either Section 8.02 or

 

            

 

8.03 hereof be applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article Eight.

Section 8.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge.

          Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Company shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes and all obligations of the Guarantors shall be deemed to have been discharged with respect to their obligations under the Note Guarantees on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Company and the Guarantors shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes and Note Guarantees, respectively, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Notes and this Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

     (a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, or interest or premium and Additional Interest, if any, on such Notes when such payments are due from the trust referred to below,

     (b) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Article Two and Section 4.02 hereof,

     (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations in connection herewith, and

     (d) this Article Eight.

          Subject to compliance with this Article Eight, the Company may exercise its option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03 hereof.

Section 8.03 Covenant Defeasance.

          Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Company shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from its obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10 and 4.11 hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes, the

 

                 

 

Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, Sections 6.01(3) through (6) shall not constitute Events of Default.

Section 8.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.

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

     (a) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, or interest and premium and Additional Interest, if any, on the outstanding Notes on the Stated Maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

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

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

     (d) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing either: (i) on the date of such deposit; or (ii) insofar as Sections 6.01(8) and (9) hereof are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 123rd day after the date of deposit;

 

            

 

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

     (f) the Company must have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, (1) assuming no intervening bankruptcy of the Company or any Guarantor between the date of deposit and the 123rd day following the deposit and assuming that no Holder is an “insider” of the Company under applicable bankruptcy law, after the 123rd day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, including Section 547 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, and (2) the creation of the defeasance trust does not violate the Investment Company Act of 1940;

     (g) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of Notes over the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Company or others;

     (h) if the Notes are to be redeemed prior to their Stated Maturity, the Company must deliver to the Trustee irrevocable instructions to redeem all of the Notes on the specified redemption date; and

     (i) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

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

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

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

          Anything in this Article Eight to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or

 

              

 

non-callable Government Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(a) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

Section 8.06 Repayment to the Company.

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

Section 8.07 Reinstatement.

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

ARTICLE NINE
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes.

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

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

 

       

 

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

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

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

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

     (f) to comply with the provisions described in Section 4.11 hereof;

     (g) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor Trustee; or

     (h) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the Indenture.

          Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental Indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of any amended or supplemental Indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes.

          Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes).

          The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons entitled to consent to any indenture supplemental hereto. If a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date, or its duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such supplemental indenture, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that unless such consent shall have become

 

           

 

effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having been obtained prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such consent previously given shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be cancelled and of no further effect.

          Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental Indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of such amended or supplemental Indenture unless such amended or supplemental Indenture directly affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture.

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

          After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental Indenture or waiver. Subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) may waive compliance in a particular instance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture, or the Notes. However, without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):

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

     (b) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note or change the optional redemption date or optional redemption price of the Notes from those stated in Section 3.07;

     (c) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note;

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

     (e) make any Note payable in money other than U.S. dollars;

 

          

 

     (f) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or Events of Default or the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes;

     (g) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Note Guarantee or this Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

     (h) impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to the Notes or the Note Guarantees;

     (i) amend, change or modify the obligation of the Company to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer in the event of a Change of Control in accordance with Section 4.08 hereof after such Change of Control has occurred, including, in each case, amending, changing or modifying any definition relating thereto;

     (j) except as otherwise permitted under Section 5.01 or Section 10.04, consent to the assignment or transfer by the Company or any Guarantor of any of their rights or obligations under this Indenture; or

     (k) make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.

Section 9.03 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

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

Section 9.04 Revocation and Effect of Consents.

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

Section 9.05 Notation on or Exchange of Notes.

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

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

 

           

 

Section 9.06 Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.

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

ARTICLE TEN
NOTE GUARANTEES

Section 10.01 Guarantee.

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

          The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a Guarantor. Subject to Section 6.06 hereof, each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Note Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.

          If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in

 

            

 

relation to either the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee or such Holder, this Note Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect.

          Each Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article Six hereof for the purposes of this Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article Six hereof, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Note Guarantee. The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Note Guarantee.

Section 10.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability.

          Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any Note Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee shall be limited to the extent necessary so that they shall not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

Section 10.03 Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee.

          To evidence its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01, each Guarantor hereby agrees that a notation of such Note Guarantee substantially in the form included in Exhibit D shall be endorsed by an Officer or other authorized Person of such Guarantor on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee.

          Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Note Guarantee.

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

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

 

        

 

          In the event that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries creates or acquires any new Domestic Subsidiaries subsequent to the date of this Indenture, if required by Section 4.11(a) hereof, the Company shall cause such Domestic Subsidiaries to execute supplemental indentures to this Indenture and Note Guarantees in accordance with Section 4.11(a) hereof and this Article Ten, to the extent applicable.

Section 10.04 Releases Following Sale of Assets.

          Any Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee, (i) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of a Guarantor to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) an Affiliate of the Company; or (ii) solely in the case of a Note Guarantee created pursuant to Section 4.11(b) hereof, upon the release or discharge of the Guarantee which resulted in the creation of such Note Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such Guarantee.

          Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other disposition was made by the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee.

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

ARTICLE ELEVEN
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge.

          This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued thereunder, when:

          (a) either:

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

     (ii) all Notes that have not been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or otherwise or will become due and payable within one year and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not

 

          

 

delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of maturity or redemption;

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

     (c) the Company or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture; and

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

          The Company shall deliver an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

          Notwithstanding the above, the Trustee shall pay to the Company from time to time upon its request any cash or Government Securities held by it as provided in this section which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect a satisfaction and discharge under this Article Eleven.

Section 11.02 Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

          Subject to Section 11.03 hereof, all money and non-callable Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 11.02, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest, but such money shall be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

Section 11.03 Repayment to the Company.

          Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, and premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on its request or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability

 

            

 

of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in the New York Times or The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining shall be repaid to the Company.

ARTICLE TWELVE
MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls.

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

Section 12.02 Notices.

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

If to the Company or any Guarantor:

Stewart Enterprises, Inc.
1333 S. Clearview Parkway
Jefferson, LA 70121
Telecopier No.: (504)  ###-###-####
Attention: Lewis J. Derbes, Jr., Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

If to the Trustee:

U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
EP-MN-WS3C
St. Paul, MN 55107-1419
Telecopier No.: (651)  ###-###-####
Attention: Corporate Trust Services

          The Company, Guarantors or the Trustee, by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

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

 

           

 

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

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

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

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

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

Section 12.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

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

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

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

Section 12.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

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

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

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

 

            

 

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

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

Section 12.06 Rules by Trustee and Agents.

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

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

          No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor as such shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, this Indenture, the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases these individuals from this liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Section 12.08 Governing Law.

          THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

Section 12.09 Consent to Jurisdiction.

          Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Indenture or the transactions contemplated hereby (“Related Proceedings”) may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America located in the City of New York or the courts of the State of New York in each case located in the City of New York (collectively, the “Specified Courts”), and each party irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction (except for proceedings instituted in regard to the enforcement of a judgment of any such court (a “Related Judgment”), as to which such jurisdiction is non-exclusive) of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail to such party’s address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the Specified Courts and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

           

 

Section 12.10 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

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

Section 12.11 Successors.

          All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors. All agreements of each Guarantor in this Indenture shall bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.04.

Section 12.12 Severability.

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

     Section 12.13 Counterpart Originals.

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

Section 12.14 Acts of Holders.

          (a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by the Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company if made in the manner provided in this Section 12.14.

          (b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to such witness, notary or officer the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

 

             

 

          (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 12.14, the principal amount and serial numbers of Notes held by any Holder, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by the register of the Notes maintained by the Registrar as provided in Section 2.04 hereof.

          (d) If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of the Notes any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Company may, at its option, by or pursuant to a resolution of its Board of Directors, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. Notwithstanding TIA § 316(c), such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant to such resolution, which shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith or the date of the most recent list of Holders forwarded to the Trustee prior to such solicitation pursuant to Section 2.06 hereof and not later than the date such solicitation is completed. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of the then outstanding Notes have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the then outstanding Notes shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than eleven months after the record date.

          (e) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Note shall bind every future Holder of the same Note and the Holder of every Note issued upon the registration or transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.

          (f) Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Note may do so itself with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Note or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.

Section 12.15 Benefit of Indenture.

          Nothing, in this Indenture or in the Notes, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Paying Agent, any Registrar and its successors hereunder, and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

Section 12.16 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.

          The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be

 

           

 

considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

Section 12.17 Waiver of Jury Trial.

          EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS INDENTURE OR THE NOTES.

Section 12.18 U.S.A. Patriot Act.

          The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act (the “Patriot Act”), the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee. The parties to this Indenture agree that they shall provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the Patriot Act.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

         

 

SIGNATURES

	STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
	By:	/s/ Lewis J. Derbes, Jr.
		Name:	Lewis J. Derbes, Jr.
		Title:	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

GUARANTORS:

FOREST HILLS CEMETERY, INC.
GRIFFIN-LEGGETT INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
GROSS FUNERAL HOME, INC.
S. E. FUNERAL HOMES OF ARKANSAS, INC.
ALL SOULS MORTUARY, INC.
BARSTOW FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
BUCHHEIM FAMILY, INC.
CALVARY MORTUARY OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, INC.
CATHOLIC MORTUARY SERVICES, INC.
DeYOUNG MEMORIAL CHAPEL, INC.
HOLY CROSS MORTUARY OF CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA, INC.
LOMBARD & CO.
N.D. DAVIS & ASSOCIATES, INC.
QUEEN OF HEAVEN MORTUARY, INC.
S.E. ACQUISITION OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA, INC.
S.E. ACQUISITION OF LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA, INC.
S.E. ACQUISITION OF LOS OSOS MORTUARY AND MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
S.E. ACQUISITION OF OAKHURST, CALIFORNIA, INC.
SAN FERNANDO MISSION MORTUARY, INC.
SANTA CLARA MORTUARY, INC.
SDCA HOLDINGS, INC.
SIMPLICITY PLAN OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
STEWART PRE-NEED SERVICES, INC.
STRICKLIN/SNIVELY MORTUARY
SENTINEL CREMATION SOCIETIES, INC.
CREMATION SOCIETY NORTHWEST, INC.
E.R. BUTTERWORTH & SONS
SAN DIEGO CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
CHEATHAM HILL MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
THE SIMPLICITY PLAN, INC.
KILGORE-GREEN FUNERAL HOME, INC.
S.E. CEMETERIES OF ALABAMA, INC.
S.E. COMBINED SERVICES OF ALABAMA, INC.
S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF ALABAMA, INC.

 

          

 

ROSE HAVEN FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY, INC.
S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF ILLINOIS, INC.
KNUTSON FUNERAL HOMES, INC.
PAULEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
D.W. NEWCOMER’S SONS, INC.
DWN PROPERTIES, INC.
THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF TENNESSEE, INC.
PASADENA FUNERAL HOME, INC.
S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF TEXAS, INC.
S.E. CEMETERIES OF TEXAS, INC.
S.E. CEMETERIES OF WISCONSIN, INC.
FUNERAL SECURITY PLANS, INC.
HAISTEN FUNERAL HOME OF HENRY COUNTY, INC.
BOUNDS FUNERAL HOME, INC.
CEDAR HILL CEMETERY COMPANY, INC.
CREST LAWN MEMORIAL GARDENS, INC.
FORT LINCOLN CEMETERY, INC.
FORT LINCOLN FUNERAL HOME, INC.
HILLCREST MEMORIAL CEMETERY, INC.
HINES-RINALDI FUNERAL HOME, INC.
JOHN M. TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME, INC.
LOUDON PARK CEMETERY COMPANY
LOUDON PARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.
NATIONAL HARMONY MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
PARKLAWN, INC.
SIMPLE TRIBUTE OF MARYLAND, INC.
THE PARKWOOD CEMETERY COMPANY
WILLIAM W. CHAMBERS, INC.
CATAWBA MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
GARRETT — HILLCREST, INC.
McLAURIN’S FUNERAL HOME, INC.
S.E. CEMETERIES OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
KIRK & NICE SUBURBAN CHAPEL, INC.
KIRK & NICE, INC.
S.E. ACQUISITION OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.
SUNSET MEMORIAL PARK COMPANY
DUNBAR FUNERAL HOME
S.E. CEMETERIES OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.
S.E. COMBINED SERVICES OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.
S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.
MONTE VISTA BURIAL PARK, INC.
S.E. COMBINED SERVICES OF TENNESSEE, INC.
CLINCH VALLEY MEMORIAL CEMETERY, INC.
EVERLY PFP, INC.

 

          

 

BARTLETT-BURDETTE-COX FUNERAL HOME, INC.
CASDORPH & CURRY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
EASTERN CEMETERY ASSOCIATES, INC.
KLINGEL-CARPENTER MORTUARY, INC.
LOI CHARLESTON, INC.
NATIONAL EXCHANGE TRUST, LTD
NATIONAL FUNERAL SERVICES, INCORPORATED
S.E. ACQUISITION OF MALDEN, WEST VIRGINIA, INC.
S.E. CEMETERIES OF WEST VIRGINIA, INC.
S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF WEST VIRGINIA, INC.
WILSON FUNERAL HOME, INC.
DRUID RIDGE CEMETERY COMPANY
PARKWOOD MANAGEMENT COMPANY
CHAPEL OF THE ROSES, INC.
CHAPEL OF THE VALLEY FUNERAL HOME, INC.
J.P. FINLEY AND SON MORTUARY, INC.
SUNSET HILLS MEMORIAL PARK
ABBY PLAN OF TEXAS, INC.
EMERALD HILLS FUNERAL CORPORATION
GUARDIAN CREMATION SOCIETY, INC.
SIMPLICITY PLAN OF TEXAS, INC.
S.E. COMBINED SERVICES OF TEXAS, INC.
S.E. FUNERAL HOME OF COPPELL, TEXAS, INC.
GRIFFIN-LEGGETT, INC.
DBM-HUNTINGTON, INC.
LASSILA FUNERAL CHAPELS, INC.
S.E. ACQUISITION OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
VICTOR V. DESROSIER, INC.
CEMETERY MANAGEMENT, INC.
EASTLAWN CORPORATION
HOLLY HILL MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
BALLYHOO INNOVATIONS, INC.
STEWART ENTERPRISES (EUROPE), INC.
S.E. MID-ATLANTIC, INC.
LAKEWOOD MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
MONTLAWN MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
S.E. ACQUISITION OF OREGON, INC.
THE NASHVILLE HISTORIC CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, INC.
LAKE LAWN METAIRIE FUNERAL HOME
S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF FLORIDA, LLC
S.E. CEMETERIES OF FLORIDA, LLC
S.E. COMBINED SERVICES OF FLORIDA, LLC
EMPRESAS STEWART-FUNERARIAS, INC.
ENDURING MEMORIES, INC.
HAWTHORNE & WREN, INC.
NAILKNOT, LLC
S.E. CEMETERIES OF VIRGINIA, LLC

         

                       

S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF VIRGINIA, LLC
STEWART RESOURCE CENTER, LLC
ACME MAUSOLEUM, LLC
S.E. CEMETERIES OF LOUISIANA, LLC
S.E. FUNERAL HOMES OF LOUISIANA, LLC
STEWART SERVICES, LLC
SYMPATHYSHOP.COM, L.L.C.
S.E. SOUTH-CENTRAL, LLC
KANAWHA PLAZA PARTNERSHIP

	By:	/s/ Lewis J. Derbes, Jr.
		Name:	Lewis J. Derbes, Jr.
		Title:	Authorized Signatory

U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee

	By:	/s/ Raymond S. Haverstock
		Name:	Raymond S. Haverstock
		Title:	Vice President

 

 

         

EXHIBIT A1

[Face of Note]

CUSIP ___________

      

No. _______		**$[           ]**

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

6.50% Senior Notes due 2019

Issue Date: April 18, 2011

     Stewart Enterprises, Inc., a Louisiana Corporation (the “Company”, which term includes any successor under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or its registered assigns, the principal sum of [     ] DOLLARS ($[           ]) on April 15, 2019.

Interest Payment Dates: April 15 and October 15, commencing October 15, 2011.

Record Dates: April 1 and October 1.

     Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officers.

	STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
	By:
		Name:
		Title:
	By:
		Name:
		Title:

 

 

 

 

This is one of the 6.50% Senior Notes due 2019 described in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee

By:
	Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.12 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.

THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY STATE OR FOREIGN SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE WHICH IS ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON) (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE

 

 

 

 

 

THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (i) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (D) PRIOR TO THE END OF THE 40-DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (E) PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND (ii) IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THIS NOTE IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR TO THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF A HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Reverse Side of Note]

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

6.50% Senior Notes due 2019

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

          1. Interest. The Company promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 6.50% per annum from the date hereof until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Company shall pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of original issuance; provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided further that the first Interest Payment Date shall be October 15, 2011. The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at a rate that is 1% per annum in excess of the rate then in effect; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

          2. Method of Payment. The Company shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the April 1 or October 1 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.13 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes shall be payable as to principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose in The City of New York maintained for such purposes, or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest and Additional Interest, if any, may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders, and provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds shall be required with respect to principal of and interest, premium and Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

          3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, U.S. Bank National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, shall act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

 

 

 

 

          4. Indenture. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of April 18, 2011 (“Indenture”) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Indenture pursuant to which this Note is issued provides that an unlimited aggregate principal amount of Additional Notes may be issued thereunder.

          5. Optional Redemption. (a) Except as set forth in paragraph 5(b) below, the Company shall not have the option to redeem the Notes prior to April 15, 2014. On or after April 15, 2014, the Company shall have the option to redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon to the applicable redemption date, subject to the rights of the Holders of the Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 15 of the years indicated below:

Year		Percentage
2014			104.875	%
2015			103.250	%
2016			101.625	%
2017 and thereafter			100.000	%

          (b) At any time prior to April 15, 2014, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) the Applicable Premium as of the date of redemption, plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon, to the applicable redemption date, subject to the rights of the Holders of the Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date.

          6. Mandatory Redemption. The Company shall not be required to make mandatory redemption payments or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

          7. Selection and Notice of Redemption. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee will select Notes for redemption as follows: (i) if the Notes are listed, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed, or (ii) if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by any method as the Trustee deems fair and appropriate. No Notes of $2,000 or less may be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notices of redemption may not be conditional. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note shall state the portion of the

 

 

 

 

principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest and Additional Interest, if any, cease to accrue on Notes or portions of them called for redemption.

          8. Repurchase at Option of Holder. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Notes shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such Holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer") at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the “Change of Control Payment"). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase Notes on the date specified in such notice which shall be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed, pursuant to the procedures required by the Indenture and described in such notice.

          9. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

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

          11. Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes), and any existing Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal of the Notes then outstanding and Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes). Without the consent of any Holder of Notes, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or any Guarantor’s obligations to Holders of the Notes in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any Guarantor, to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder to comply with the provisions described in Section 4.11 of the Indenture, to evidence and provide for the acceptance of

 

 

 

 

appointment by a successor Trustee, or to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the Indenture.

          12. Defaults and Remedies. In the case of an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately by notice in writing to the Company specifying the Event of Default. Holders of the Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or Additional Interest, if any) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or Additional Interest, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes.

          In the case of any Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful action or inaction taken or not taken by the Company or on their behalf with the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that the Company would have had to pay if the Company then had elected to redeem the Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of the Indenture, an equivalent premium shall also become and be immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration of the Notes. If an Event of Default occurs during any time that the Notes are outstanding, by reason of any willful action (or inaction) taken (or not taken) by the Company or on its behalf with the intention of avoiding the prohibition on redemption of the Notes, then the premium specified in the Indenture shall also become immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration of the Notes.

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

          14. No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or of any of the Guarantors as such will have any liability for any of the Company’s or any Guarantors’ obligations under the Notes, the Indenture, any Note Guarantees, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, these obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases these individuals from this liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

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

 

 

 

 

          16. Additional Rights of Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes. In addition to the rights provided to Holders under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 18, 2011, between the Company, the Guarantors and the parties named on the signature pages thereof or, in the case of Additional Notes, Holders of Additional Notes shall have the rights set forth in one or more registration rights agreements, if any, between the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto, relating to rights given by the Company and the Guarantors to the purchasers of Additional Notes (the “Registration Rights Agreement").

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

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

Stewart Enterprises, Inc.
1333 S. Clearview Parkway
Jefferson, LA 70121
Telecopier No.: (504)  ###-###-####
Attention: Lewis J. Derbes, Jr., Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

                        

 

          To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:
		(Insert assignee’s legal name)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint

to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

Date:                                         

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

Signature Guarantee*:                                         

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

          If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.08 of the Indenture, check the box below:

o

          If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.08 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

$                                        

Date:                                         

		Your Signature:
			(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)
		Tax Identification No.:

Signature Guarantee*:                                         

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

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE

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

Principal Amount at

Amount of Decrease in

Amount of Increase in

Maturity

Signature of

Principal Amount at

Principal Amount at

of this Global Note

Authorized Officer

Maturity

Maturity

Following such

of Trustee or

Date of Exchange

of this Global Note

of this Global Note

decrease (or increase)

Note Custodian

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A2

[Face of Note]

CUSIP ___________

      

No. _______		**$[            ]**

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

6.50% Senior Notes due 2019

Issue Date: April 18, 2011

     Stewart Enterprises, Inc., a Louisiana Corporation (the “Company”, which term includes any successor under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or its registered assigns, the principal sum of [          ], DOLLARS ($[          ]) on April 15, 2019.

Interest Payment Dates: April 15 and October 15, commencing October 15, 2011.

Record Dates: April 1 and October 1.

     Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officers.

	STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
	By:
		Name:
		Title:
	By:
		Name:
		Title:

This is one of the 6.50% Senior Notes due 2019 described in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

 

 

Dated:

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee

	By:
		Authorized Signatory

 

 

              

 

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

THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07 OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.07(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.12 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.

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

THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR ANY STATE OR FOREIGN SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE OFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF AGREES TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE WHICH IS ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE AND THE GUARANTEES ENDORSED HEREON) (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER

 

 

 

 

THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER (i) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (D) PRIOR TO THE END OF THE 40-DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (E) PRIOR TO THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND (ii) IN EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM APPEARING ON THIS NOTE IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THE TRANSFEROR TO THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF A HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE.

 

 

 

 

[Reverse Side of Note]

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

6.50% Senior Notes due 2019

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

          1. Interest. The Company promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 6.50% per annum from the date hereof until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Company shall pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of original issuance; provided that if there is no existing Default in the payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided further that the first Interest Payment Date shall be October 15, 2011. The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at a rate that is 1% per annum in excess of the rate then in effect; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

          2. Method of Payment. The Company shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the April 1 or October 1 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.13 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes shall be payable as to principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose in The City of New York maintained for such purposes, or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest and Additional Interest, if any, may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders, and provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds shall be required with respect to principal of and interest, premium and Additional Interest, if any, on, all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

          3. Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, U.S. Bank National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, shall act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to any Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

 

 

 

 

          4. Indenture. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of April 18, 2011 (“Indenture”) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Indenture pursuant to which this Note is issued provides that an unlimited aggregate principal amount of Additional Notes may be issued thereunder.

          5. Optional Redemption. (a) Except as set forth in paragraph 5(b) below, the Company shall not have the option to redeem the Notes prior to April 15, 2014. On or after April 15, 2014, the Company shall have the option to redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon to the applicable redemption date, subject to the rights of the Holders of the Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 15 of the years indicated below:

Year		Percentage
2014			104.875	%
2015			103.250	%
2016			101.625	%
2017 and thereafter			100.000	%

          (b) At any time prior to April 15, 2014, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) the Applicable Premium as of the date of redemption, plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, thereon, to the applicable redemption date, subject to the rights of the Holders of the Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date.

          6. Mandatory Redemption. The Company shall not be required to make mandatory redemption payments or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

          7. Selection and Notice of Redemption. If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee will select Notes for redemption as follows: (i) if the Notes are listed, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed, or (ii) if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by any method as the Trustee deems fair and appropriate. No Notes of $2,000 or less may be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notices of redemption may not be conditional. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note shall state the portion of the

 

 

 

 

principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest and Additional Interest, if any, cease to accrue on Notes or portions of them called for redemption.

          8. Repurchase at Option of Holder. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Notes shall have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) of such Holder’s Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer") at an offer price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest thereon, if any, to the date of purchase (the “Change of Control Payment"). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase Notes on the date specified in such notice which shall be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed, pursuant to the procedures required by the Indenture and described in such notice.

          9. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Note for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

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

          11. Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding and Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes), and any existing Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal of the Notes then outstanding and Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes). Without the consent of any Holder of Notes, the Indenture or the Notes may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or any Guarantor’s obligations to Holders of the Notes in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any Guarantor, to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder to comply with the provisions described in Section 4.11 of the Indenture, to evidence and provide for the acceptance of

 

 

 

 

appointment by a successor Trustee, or to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the Indenture.

          12. Defaults and Remedies. In the case of an Event of Default, as defined in the Indenture arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately by notice in writing to the Company specifying the Event of Default. Holders of the Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest or Additional Interest, if any) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or Additional Interest, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes.

          In the case of any Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful action or inaction taken or not taken by the Company or on their behalf with the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that the Company would have had to pay if the Company then had elected to redeem the Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of the Indenture, an equivalent premium shall also become and be immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration of the Notes. If an Event of Default occurs during any time that the Notes are outstanding, by reason of any willful action (or inaction) taken (or not taken) by the Company or on its behalf with the intention of avoiding the prohibition on redemption of the Notes, then the premium specified in the Indenture shall also become immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration of the Notes.

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

          14. No Recourse Against Others. No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or of any of the Guarantors as such will have any liability for any of the Company’s or any Guarantors’ obligations under the Notes, the Indenture, any Note Guarantees, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, these obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases these individuals from this liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

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

 

 

 

 

          16. Additional Rights of Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes. In addition to the rights provided to Holders under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 18, 2011, between the Company, the Guarantors and the parties named on the signature pages thereof or, in the case of Additional Notes, Holders of Additional Notes shall have the rights set forth in one or more registration rights agreements, if any, between the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto, relating to rights given by the Company and the Guarantors to the purchasers of Additional Notes (the “Registration Rights Agreement”).

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

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

Stewart Enterprises, Inc.
1333 S. Clearview Parkway
Jefferson, LA 70121
Telecopier No.: (504)  ###-###-####
Attention: Lewis J. Derbes, Jr., Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

Assignment Form

HERE          To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:
		(Insert assignee’s legal name)
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint

to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

Date:                                         

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

Signature Guarantee*:                                         

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

STOP

 

 

 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

          If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.08 of the Indenture, check the box below:

o

          If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.08 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

$                                        

Date:                                         

		Your Signature:
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)
		Tax Identification No.:

Signature Guarantee*:                                         

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

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF REGULATION S TEMPORARY GLOBAL NOTE

          The following exchanges of a part of this Regulation S Temporary Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or of other Restricted Global Notes for an interest in this Regulation S Temporary Global Note, have been made:

Principal Amount at

Amount of Decrease in

Amount of Increase in

Maturity

Signature of

Principal Amount at

Principal Amount at

of this Global Note

Authorized Officer

Maturity

Maturity

Following such

of Trustee or

Date of Exchange

of this Global Note

of this Global Note

decrease (or increase)

Note Custodian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Stewart Enterprises, Inc.
1333 S. Clearview Parkway
Jefferson, LA 70121
Telecopier No.: (504)  ###-###-####
Attention: Lewis J. Derbes, Jr., Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
EP-MN-WS3C
St. Paul, MN 55107
Telecopier No.: (651)  ###-###-####
Attention: Corporate Trust Services

          Re: 6.50% Senior Notes due 2019

          Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 18, 2011 (the “Indenture”), among Stewart Enterprises, Inc., a Louisiana Corporation (the “Company”), the Guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

          ___________________ (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount at maturity of $___________ in such Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”), to ___________________________ (the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:

[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

          1. o Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note or a Definitive Note Pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

 

 

 

 

          2. o Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the [Regulation S Temporary Global Note, the Regulation S Permanent Global Note] or a Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in the United States and either (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(a) or Rule 904(a) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the [Regulation S Permanent Global Note, the Regulation S Temporary Global Note] and/or the Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

          3. o Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

     (a) o such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and the requirements of the exemption claimed, which certification is supported by an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification);

or

     (b) o such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a subsidiary thereof;

or

          (c) o such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

     4. o Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.

 

 

 

          (a) o Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

          (b) o Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

          (c) o Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

          This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

	[Insert Name of Transferor]
	By:
		Name:
		Title:

Dated:                                         

 

 

 

 

ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

1.

The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

[CHECK ONE OF (A) OR (B)]

(A)

o a beneficial interest in the:

	(i)		144A Global Note (CUSIP                     ); or
	(ii)		Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP                     );

(B)

o a Restricted Definitive Note.

2.

After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:

[CHECK ONE]

(A)

o a beneficial interest in the:

	(i)		144A Global Note (CUSIP                     ); or
	(ii)		Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP                     );
	(iii)		Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP                     ); or

	(B)		o a Restricted Definitive Note; or
	(C)		o an Unrestricted Definitive Note,
			in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

         

 

 

EXHIBIT C

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

Stewart Enterprises, Inc.
1333 S. Clearview Parkway
Jefferson, LA 70121
Telecopier No.: (504)  ###-###-####
Attention: Chief Financial Officer

U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
EP-MN-WS3C
St. Paul, MN 55107
Telecopier No.: (504)  ###-###-####
Attention: Corporate Trust Services

          Re: 6.50% Senior Notes due 2019

          Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 18, 2011 (the “Indenture”), among Stewart Enterprises, Inc., a Louisiana corporation (the “Company”), the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

          __________________________ (the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount at maturity of $____________ in such Note[s] or interests (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

          1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note

          (a) o Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount at maturity, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

 

 

 

          (b) o Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

          (c) o Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

          (d) o Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

          2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes

          (a) o Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount at maturity, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

          (b) o Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted

 

 

 

Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] o 144A Global Note, o Regulation S Global Note, o IAI Global Note with an equal principal amount at maturity, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

          This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

	[Insert Name of Transferor]
	By:
		Name:
		Title:

Dated:                        

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT D

FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE

          For value received, each Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture) has, jointly and severally, unconditionally guaranteed, to the extent set forth in the Indenture and subject to the provisions in the Indenture dated as of April 18, 2011 (the “Indenture”) among Stewart Enterprises, Inc., the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes (as defined in the Indenture), whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on overdue principal and premium, and, to the extent permitted by law, interest, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. The obligations of the Guarantors to the Holders of Notes and to the Trustee pursuant to the Note Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article Ten of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Note Guarantee. Each Holder of a Note, by accepting the same, agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions.

	[Name of Guarantor]
	By:
		Name:
		Title:

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT E

FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS

          Supplemental Indenture (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of _____________, among __________________ (the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”), a subsidiary of Stewart Enterprises, Inc. (or its permitted successor), a Louisiana corporation (the “Company”), the Company, the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein) and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “Trustee”).

W I T N E S S E T H

          WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of April 18, 2011 providing for the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “Notes”);

          WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Company’s obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “Note Guarantee”); and

          WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.

          NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:

          1. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

          2. Agreement to Guarantee. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees as follows:

     (a) Along with all other Guarantors, to jointly and severally Guarantee to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of the Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that:

               (i) the principal of and interest on the Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and

 

 

 

 

               (ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. This Note Guarantee is a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

     (b) The obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or the Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor.

     (c) Subject to Section 6.06 of the Indenture, the following is hereby waived: diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever.

     (d) The Note Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and the Indenture.

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

     (f) The Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby.

     (g) As between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article Six of the Indenture for the purposes of this Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article Six of the Indenture, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Note Guarantee.

     (h) Pursuant to Section 10.02 of the Indenture, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee shall be limited to the extent necessary so that they shall not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

 

 

 

          3. Execution and Delivery. Each Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees that the Note Guarantees shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Note Guarantee.

          4. Releases.

          (a) Any Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its Note Guarantee, (i) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of a Guarantor to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) an Affiliate of the Company; or (ii) solely in the case of a Note Guarantee created pursuant Section 4.11(b) of the Indenture, upon the release or discharge of the Guarantee which resulted in the creation of such Note Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such Guarantee. Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other disposition was made by the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its obligations under its Note Guarantee.

          (b) Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under the Indenture as provided in Article Ten of the Indenture.

          5. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or agent of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Notes, any Note Guarantees, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of the Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

          6. NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE BUT WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.

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

          8. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

          9. Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the Company.

 

 

 

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

Dated: _______________, ____

	[Guaranteeing Subsidiary]
	By:
		Name:
		Title:
	STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
	By:
		Name:
		Title:
	U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
	By:
		Name:
		Title: