CREDIT AGREEMENT

Contract Categories: Business Finance - Credit Agreements
EX-10.1 2 h67495exv10w1.htm EX-10.1 exv10w1
Exhibit 10.1
CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of July 24, 2009
among
SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
The Lenders From Time to Time Party Hereto
and
DNB NOR BANK ASA,
as Administrative Agent
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
as Syndication Agent
CALYON NEW YORK BRANCH,
as Senior Managing Agent,
and
DNB NOR BANK ASA and WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,
as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
        Page
 
           
ARTICLE I Definitions     1  
SECTION 1.01
  Defined Terms     1  
SECTION 1.02
  Classification of Loans and Borrowings     7  
SECTION 1.03
  Terms Generally     7  
SECTION 1.04
  Accounting Terms; GAAP     8  
ARTICLE II The Credits     8  
SECTION 2.01
  Commitments     8  
SECTION 2.02
  Loans and Borrowings     8  
SECTION 2.03
  Requests for Borrowings     9  
SECTION 2.04
  [Intentionally Left Blank]     9  
SECTION 2.05
  Funding of Borrowings     9  
SECTION 2.06
  Interest Elections     9  
SECTION 2.07
  Termination of Commitments     10  
SECTION 2.08
  Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt     10  
SECTION 2.09
  Prepayment of Loans     11  
SECTION 2.10
  Fees     11  
SECTION 2.11
  Interest     11  
SECTION 2.12
  Alternate Rate of Interest     12  
SECTION 2.13
  Increased Costs     12  
SECTION 2.14
  Break Funding Payments     13  
SECTION 2.15
  Taxes     13  
SECTION 2.16
  Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs     14  
SECTION 2.17
  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders     15  
SECTION 2.18
  Defaulting Lender     15  
ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties     16  
SECTION 3.01
  Organization; Powers     16  
SECTION 3.02
  Authorization; Enforceability     16  
SECTION 3.03
  Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts     16  
SECTION 3.04
  Financial Condition     16  
SECTION 3.05
  Properties     16  
SECTION 3.06
  Litigation and Environmental Matters     16  
SECTION 3.07
  Compliance with Laws and Agreements     17  
SECTION 3.08
  Investment Company Status     17  
SECTION 3.09
  Taxes     17  
SECTION 3.10
  ERISA     17  
SECTION 3.11
  Disclosure     17  
ARTICLE IV Conditions     17  
SECTION 4.01
  Effective Date     17  
SECTION 4.02
  Each Credit Event     18  
ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants     18  
SECTION 5.01
  Financial Statements; Ratings Change and Other Information     18  
SECTION 5.02
  Notices of Material Events     19  
SECTION 5.03
  Existence; Conduct of Business     19  
SECTION 5.04
  Payment of Obligations     19  
SECTION 5.05
  Maintenance of Properties; Insurance     19  
SECTION 5.06
  Books and Records; Inspection Rights     19  
SECTION 5.07
  Compliance with Laws     19  
SECTION 5.08
  Use of Proceeds     19  
SECTION 5.09
  Financial Covenants     20  
ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants     20  
SECTION 6.01
  Subsidiary Indebtedness     20  
SECTION 6.02
  Liens     20  
SECTION 6.03
  Fundamental Changes     20  
SECTION 6.04
  Transactions with Affiliates     21  

i


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
        Page
 
           
ARTICLE VII Events of Default     21  
ARTICLE VIII The Administrative Agent     22  
ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous     23  
SECTION 9.01
  Notices     23  
SECTION 9.02
  Waivers; Amendments     24  
SECTION 9.03
  Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver     24  
SECTION 9.04
  Successors and Assigns     25  
SECTION 9.05
  Survival     27  
SECTION 9.06
  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness     27  
SECTION 9.07
  Severability     27  
SECTION 9.08
  Right of Setoff     27  
SECTION 9.09
  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process     27  
SECTION 9.10
  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL     28  
SECTION 9.11
  Headings     28  
SECTION 9.12
  Confidentiality     28  
SECTION 9.13
  Interest Rate Limitation     28  
SECTION 9.14
  Syndication Agent, Senior Managing Agent and as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners     29
SECTION 9.15
  USA Patriot Act     29  
SECTION 9.16
  Amendment and Restatement     29  
Schedule 2.01 — Commitments
Schedule 6.01 — Existing Subsidiary Indebtedness
Schedule 6.02 — Existing Liens
Exhibit A — Assignment and Assumption
Exhibit B — Note

ii


 

CREDIT AGREEMENT
     CREDIT AGREEMENT (as amended, modified, restated, supplemented and in effect from time to time, herein called this “Agreement”) dated as of July 24, 2009, among SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation, the LENDERS party hereto, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as Syndication Agent, CALYON NEW YORK BRANCH, as Senior Managing Agent, DNB NOR BANK ASA and WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC, as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, and DNB NOR BANK ASA, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders.
     The parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
     SECTION 1.01 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
     “ABR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.
     “Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.
     “Administrative Agent” means DNB NOR BANK ASA, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder, and its successors in that capacity.
     “Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
     “Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
     “Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1% or (b) the Prime Rate in effect on such day. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate, respectively.
     “Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender, the percentage of the total Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment. If the Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.
     “Applicable Margin” means (i) 0.325% with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, (ii) 0.75% with respect to any ABR Loan and (iii) 2.50% with respect to any Eurodollar Loan.
     “Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.
     “Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
     “Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America and any successor entity performing similar functions.
     “Borrower” means Smith International, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 


 

     “Borrowing” means Loans of the same Type made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.
     “Borrowing Request” means a request by Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03.
     “Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which national banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in Dollar deposits in the London interbank market.
     “Capital Lease Obligations” means, as to any Person, the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease of (or other agreement conveying the right to use) real and/or personal property which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP (including Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, as amended) and, for purposes of this Agreement, the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof, determined in accordance with GAAP (including such Statement No. 13). Capital Lease Obligations shall not include the interest component of any applicable rental payment.
     “Ceiling Rate” means, on any day, the maximum nonusurious rate of interest permitted for that day by whichever of applicable federal or New York (or any jurisdiction whose usury laws are deemed to apply to the Notes or any other Loan Documents despite the intention and desire of the parties to apply the usury laws of the State of New York) laws permits the higher interest rate, stated as a rate per annum. On each day, if any, that the Texas Finance Code establishes the Ceiling Rate, the Ceiling Rate shall be the “weekly ceiling” (as defined in the Texas Finance Code) for that day. Administrative Agent may from time to time, as to current and future balances, implement any other ceiling under the Texas Finance Code by notice to Borrower, if and to the extent permitted by the Texas Finance Code. Without notice to Borrower or any other Person, the Ceiling Rate shall automatically fluctuate upward and downward as and in the amount by which such maximum nonusurious rate of interest permitted by applicable law fluctuates.
     “Change in Control” means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), of Equity Interests representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Borrower; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of Borrower by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of Borrower nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated; or (c) the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of Borrower by any Person or group.
     “Change in Law” means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (c) compliance by any Lender (or, for purposes of Section 2.13(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement.
     “CLO” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04.
     “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
     “Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Loans, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lender’s Loans hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.07 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender’s Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Commitments is $375,000,000.
     “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
     “Debt to Capitalization Ratio” shall mean, as of any day, without duplication, the ratio of (a) interest bearing Indebtedness (including Indebtedness bearing imputed interest as a result of having been issued at a discount and including the principal component of Capital Lease Obligations) to (b) the sum of (i) such interest bearing Indebtedness plus (ii) stockholders’ equity as determined in accordance with GAAP plus (iii) minority interests in majority-owned Subsidiaries. For purposes of this definition, the term “Indebtedness” shall not include intercompany debt which is held by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

 


 

     “Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
     “Dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.
     “Effective Date” means the first date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).
     “Environmental Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources or the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material.
     “Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of Borrower or any Material Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
     “Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such equity interest.
     “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
     “ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
     “ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.
     “Eurodollar”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate.
     “Eurodollar Office” means with respect to any Lender the office or offices of such Lender which shall be making or maintaining the Eurodollar Borrowing of such Lender hereunder. A Eurodollar Office of any Lender may be, at the option of such Lender, either a domestic or foreign office.
     “Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.
     “Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder, (a) income or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of America, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which Borrower is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by Borrower under Section 2.17(b)), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure to comply with Section 2.15(e), except to the extent

 


 

that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.15(a).
     “Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent.
     “Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of Borrower.
     “Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which Borrower is located. For purposes of this definition, the United States of America, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
     “Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
     “Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided, that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.
     “Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
     “Indebtedness” shall mean and include with respect to any Person (a) all items which in accordance with GAAP would be included on the liability side of a balance sheet of such Person on the date as of which Indebtedness is to be determined (excluding capital stock, surplus, surplus reserves and deferred credits); (b) all guaranties, letter of credit contingent reimbursement obligations, endorsements and other contingent obligations in respect of, or any obligations to purchase or otherwise acquire, Indebtedness of others, and (c) all Indebtedness secured by any Lien existing on any interest of such Person in property owned subject to such Lien whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed; provided, that the term “Indebtedness” shall not mean or include any Indebtedness in respect of which monies sufficient to pay and discharge the same in full (either on the expressed date of maturity thereof or on such earlier date as such Indebtedness may be duly called for redemption and payment) shall be deposited, in a manner and with a depository, agency or trustee reasonably acceptable to the Agent, in trust for the payment thereof. “Indebtedness” shall not include trade payables and expense accruals incurred in the ordinary course of the applicable Person’s business provided that such payables have not remained unpaid for a period of ninety (90) days after the same became due. Expenses which are classified as “operating lease expenses” under GAAP shall not constitute “Indebtedness” under this Agreement.
     “Indemnified Taxes” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
     “Interest Election Request” means a request by Borrower to convert or continue a Loan in accordance with Section 2.06.
     “Interest Expense” shall mean, for any period, the sum of (a) the cash interest payments by an obligor made or accrued in accordance with GAAP during such period in connection with all of its interest-bearing Indebtedness and (b) the interest component of any Capital Lease Obligations.

 


 

     “Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, the first day of each January, April, July and October, and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period.
     “Interest Period” means with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three, six, nine or twelve months (or one or two weeks, in the case of an Interest Period commencing on the Effective Date) thereafter, as Borrower may elect; provided, that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, and (ii) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
     “Lenders” means the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption.
     “LIBO Rate”, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period: (a) a rate per annum equal to the offered rate for deposits in Dollars for a period equal or comparable to such Interest Period which appears on Page BBAM of the Bloomberg Financial Markets Information Service as of noon, New York City time, two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or (b) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding subsection (a) does not appear on such page or service or such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent as the offered rate on such other page or other service that displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or (c) in the event the rates referenced in the preceding subsections (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent (in its reasonable discretion) as the rate of interest at which Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) in same day funds in the approximate amount of the applicable Eurodollar Borrowing and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by the Administrative Agent’s Eurodollar Office to major banks in the offshore Dollar market at their request at approximately noon, New York City time, two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period.
     “Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.
     “Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Notes, all instruments, certificates and agreements now or hereafter executed or delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to any of the foregoing or in connection with the obligations of Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any commitment regarding such obligations, and all amendments, modifications, renewals, extensions, increases and rearrangements of, and substitutions for, any of the foregoing.
     “Loans” means the loans made by the Lenders to Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
     “Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, property or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) the validity or enforceability against Borrower of any of the Loan Documents or (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under any Loan Document.
     “Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $7,500,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that would be required to be paid if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.
     “Material Subsidiary” means each Subsidiary of Borrower with assets comprising 5% or more of the aggregate fair market value of all assets of Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or with a tangible net worth comprising 5% or more of the tangible net worth of Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 


 

     “Maturity Date” means July 23, 2010.
     “Minimum Hold Amount” means $10,000,000.
     “Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
     “Notes” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.02(a) hereof.
     “Obligations” means, as at any date of determination thereof, the aggregate principal amount of Loans outstanding hereunder.
     “Other Taxes” means any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document.
     “Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.
     “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.
     “Permitted Encumbrances” means:
     (a) Liens imposed by law for taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement;
     (b) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;
     (c) Liens, pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;
     (d) deposits to secure insurance obligations and the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
     (e) judgment and similar liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement; and
     (f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances and restrictions on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
     (g) Liens arising from Swap Agreements;
provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness.
     “Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
     “Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.
     “Prime Rate” means, on any day, the prime rate of DNB NOR BANK ASA in effect for that day at the principal offices of DNB NOR BANK ASA in New York, New York. The Prime Rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate or a favored rate, and Administrative Agent and each Lender disclaims any statement, representation or warranty to the contrary. Administrative Agent or any Lender may make commercial loans or other loans at rates of interest at, above or below the Prime Rate.

 


 

     “Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.
     “Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.
     “Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having outstanding Loans and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total outstanding Loans and unused Commitments at such time.
     “Revolving Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the applicable Commitment.
     “Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board). Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D. Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.
     “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, Controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more Subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more Subsidiaries of the parent.
     “Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.
     “Taxes” means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.
     “Transactions” means (a) the execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of the Loan Documents to which it is to be a party, the borrowing of Loans and the use of the proceeds thereof and (b) the execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of each other document and instrument required to satisfy the conditions precedent to the initial Loan hereunder.
     “2008 Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of August 20, 2008 executed by and among the Borrower, certain lenders therein named, and Fortis Bank SA/NV, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, restated or supplemented.
     “Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the Alternate Base Rate.
     “Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
     SECTION 1.02 Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Borrowing”).
     SECTION 1.03 Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will”

 


 

shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
     SECTION 1.04 Accounting Terms; GAAP. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith.
ARTICLE II
The Credits
     SECTION 2.01 Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender agrees to make Loans to Borrower from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in such Lender’s outstanding Loans exceeding such Lender’s Commitment. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Loans.
     SECTION 2.02 Loans and Borrowings.
     (a) Each Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required. The Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced by a single Note of Borrower in substantially the form of Exhibit B payable to the order of such Lender in a principal amount equal to the applicable Commitment of such Lender, and otherwise duly completed (such notes, together with all renewals, extensions, modifications and replacements thereof and substitutions therefor, being herein called a “Note” and collectively called the “Notes”). Each Lender is hereby authorized by Borrower to endorse on the schedule (or a continuation thereof) that may be attached to each Note of such Lender, to the extent applicable, the date, amount, type of and the applicable period of interest for each Loan made by such Lender to Borrower hereunder, and the amount of each payment or prepayment of principal of such Loan received by such Lender, provided, that any failure by such Lender to make any such endorsement shall not affect the obligations of Borrower under such Note or hereunder in respect of such Loan.
     (b) Subject to Section 2.12, each Loan shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or otherwise result in an increased cost to Borrower.
     (c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is equal to $1,000,000 or an increment of $100,000 in excess thereof. At the time that each ABR Loan is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is equal to $1,000,000 or an increment of $100,000 in excess thereof. Borrowings of more than one Type may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of five (5) Eurodollar Borrowings outstanding.
     (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, (i) Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date and (ii) Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if after giving effect thereto the sum of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Eurodollar Borrowings with Interest Periods ending on or prior to any applicable scheduled repayment date plus the aggregate principal amount of outstanding ABR Borrowings would be less than the aggregate principal amount of Loans required to be repaid on such scheduled repayment date.

 


 

     SECTION 2.03 Requests for Borrowings. To request a Loan, Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing and (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than noon, New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent on the same day as the telephonic request of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by Borrower. Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
     (i) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing;
     (ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
     (iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing;
     (iv) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and
     (v) the location and number of Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.05.
If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Loan, then Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower acknowledges that Borrower shall bear all risk of loss resulting from disbursements made upon telephonic request.
     SECTION 2.04 [Intentionally Left Blank].
     SECTION 2.05 Funding of Borrowings.
     (a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 2:00 p.m., New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account of Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent and designated by Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request.
     (b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to Borrower a corresponding amount. If a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing.
     SECTION 2.06 Interest Elections.
     (a) Each Loan initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing.

 


 

     (b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the proposed Borrowing and (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than noon, New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed by hand delivery or telecopy to the Administrative Agent on the same day as such telephonic request of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by Borrower.
     (c) Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information:
          (i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);
          (ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;
          (iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and
          (iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.
     If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.
     (d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.
     (e) If Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.
     SECTION 2.07 Termination of Commitments.
     (a) Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.
     (b) Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $5,000,000 and (ii) Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with the terms hereof, the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Loans would exceed the total Commitments.
     (c) Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under this Section at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments delivered by Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction and increase of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments.
     SECTION 2.08 Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt.
     (a) Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Loan of such Lender on the Maturity Date.

 


 

     (b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.
     (c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.
     (d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
     SECTION 2.09 Prepayment of Loans.
     (a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to the requirements of this Section.
     (b) Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Loan, not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment or (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Loan, not later than 1:00 p.m., New York City time, one Business Day before the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date, the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of optional prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.07, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.07. Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount equal to $5,000,000 or an increment of $100,000 in excess thereof.
     SECTION 2.10 Fees.
     (a) Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Margin on the average daily unused amount of the Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the date hereof to but excluding the date on which such Commitment terminates. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the first day of January, April, July and October of each year and on the date on which the Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).
     (b) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Lenders entitled thereto. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances, absent manifest error in the calculation or assessment of such fees.
     SECTION 2.11 Interest.
     (a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the lesser of (i) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin or (ii) the Ceiling Rate.
     (b) The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest at the lesser of (i) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Margin or (ii) the Ceiling Rate.
     (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to the lesser of (i) the Ceiling Rate or (ii) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section.
     (d) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and upon termination of the Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Loan prior to the end of

 


 

the Revolving Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.
     (e) All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). The applicable Alternate Base Rate or Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
     SECTION 2.12 Alternate Rate of Interest. If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing:
     (a) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period; or
     (b) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;
then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to Borrower and the Lenders by telephone or telecopy as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing; provided that if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then the other Type of Borrowings shall be permitted.
     SECTION 2.13 Increased Costs.
     (a) If any Change in Law shall:
     (i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate); or
     (ii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
     (b) If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by such Lender to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
     (c) A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
     (d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that no Borrower shall be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender notifies Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation

 


 

therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.
     SECTION 2.14 Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurodollar Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto regardless of whether such notice may be revoked and is revoked in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, or (d) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by Borrower pursuant to Section 2.17, then, in any such event, Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. Such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for Dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
     SECTION 2.15 Taxes.
     (a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if Borrower shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent or Lender (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
     (b) In addition, Borrower shall pay any applicable Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.
     (c) Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender, within 10 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any applicable Indemnified Taxes or applicable Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to Borrower by a Lender, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
     (d) As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by Borrower to a Governmental Authority, Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
     (e) Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which Borrower is located, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments under this Agreement shall deliver to Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by Borrower as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate.
     (f) If the Administrative Agent or a Lender determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes or “gross-up” payment as to which it has been indemnified by Borrower or with respect to which Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.15, it shall pay over such refund to Borrower (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by Borrower under this Section 2.15 with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided, that Borrower, upon the request of the

 


 

Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. This Section shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes which it deems confidential) to Borrower or any other Person.
     SECTION 2.16 Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-offs.
     (a) Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document (whether of principal, interest or fees, or of amounts payable under Section 2.13, 2.14 or 2.15, or otherwise) prior to the time expressly required hereunder or under such other Loan Document for such payment (or, if no such time is expressly required, prior to 2:00 p.m., New York City time), on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off, deduction or counterclaim. Any amounts payable to the Administrative Agent that are received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 333 Clay Street, Suite 3950, Houston, Texas 77002, except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto and payments pursuant to other Loan Documents shall be made to the Persons specified therein. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment under any Loan Document shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments under each Loan Document shall be made in Dollars.
     (b) If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal then due to such parties.
     (c) If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans, resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its Affiliates (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). Each Lender agrees that it will not exercise any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise obtain payment in respect of any Obligation owed to it other than principal of and interest accruing on the Loans, unless all of the outstanding principal of and accrued interest on the Loans have been paid in full. Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of Borrower in the amount of such participation.
     (d) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, without obligation, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. If Borrower has not in fact made such payment when due, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
     (e) If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to this Agreement, then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations hereunder until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.

 


 

     SECTION 2.17 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.
     (a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.13, or if Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.15, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.13 or 2.15, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
     (b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.13, or if Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.15, or if any Lender defaults in its obligation to fund Loans hereunder, then Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such assignor Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.13 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.15, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
     SECTION 2.18 Defaulting Lender.
     (a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event any Lender (x) has refused (which refusal constitutes a breach by such Lender of its obligations under this Agreement) to make available its portion of any Loan or (y) notifies either the Administrative Agent or Borrower that such Lender does not intend to make available its portion of any Loan (if the actual refusal would constitute a breach by such Lender of its obligations under this Agreement) (each, a “Lender Default”), all rights and obligations hereunder of such Lender (a “Defaulting Lender”) as to which a Lender Default is in effect and of the other parties hereto shall be modified to the extent of the express provisions of this Section while such Lender Default remains in effect.
     (b) Loans shall be made pro rata by Lenders (the “Non-Defaulting Lenders”) which are not Defaulting Lenders based on their respective Commitments) and no Commitment of any Lender or any pro rata share of any Loans required to be advanced by any Lender shall be increased as a result of such Lender Default. Amounts received in respect of principal of any type of Loans shall be applied to reduce the applicable Loans of each Lender pro rata based on the aggregate of the outstanding Loans of that type of all Lenders at the time of such application; provided, that, such amount shall not be applied to any Loans of a Defaulting Lender at any time when, and to the extent that, the aggregate amount of Loans of any Non-Defaulting Lender exceeds such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Commitment of all Loans then outstanding.
     (c) A Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to give instructions to the Administrative Agent or to approve, disapprove, consent to or vote on any matters relating to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. All amendments, waivers and other modifications of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be made without regard to a Defaulting Lender and, for purposes of the definition of “Required Lenders,” a Defaulting Lender shall be deemed not to be a Lender and not to have Loans outstanding.
     (d) Other than as expressly set forth in this Section, the rights and obligations of a Defaulting Lender (including the obligation to indemnify the Administrative Agent) and the other parties hereto shall remain unchanged. Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to release any Defaulting Lender from its obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, shall alter such obligations, shall operate as a waiver of any default by such Defaulting Lender hereunder, or shall prejudice any rights which Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have against any Defaulting Lender as a result of any default by such Defaulting Lender hereunder.
     (e) In the event a Defaulting Lender retroactively cures to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent the breach which caused a Lender to become a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender shall no longer be a Defaulting Lender and shall be treated as a Lender under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 


 

ARTICLE III
Representations and Warranties
     Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders that:
     SECTION 3.01 Organization; Powers. Each of Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.
     SECTION 3.02 Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions to be entered into by Borrower are within Borrower’s powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary action. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Borrower and constitutes, and each other Loan Document to which Borrower is to be a party, when executed and delivered by Borrower, will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
     SECTION 3.03 Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The Transactions (a) do not require any material consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (b) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any material indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries or their assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries.
     SECTION 3.04 Financial Condition. Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Administrative Agent its consolidated balance sheet and statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008, reported on by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP. Since December 31, 2008 through the date of Borrower’s execution of this Agreement, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, other than as a result of industry conditions generally.
     SECTION 3.05 Properties.
     (a) Each of Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business, except for minor defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes.
     (b) Each of Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to its business, and the use thereof by Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
     SECTION 3.06 Litigation and Environmental Matters.
     (a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of Borrower, threatened against or affecting Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries (i) as to which, in the reasonable judgment of Borrower, there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) that involve any of the Loan Documents or the Transactions.
     (b) Except with respect to any other matters that, in the reasonable judgment of Borrower, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither Borrower nor any of its Material Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

 


 

     SECTION 3.07 Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Each of Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing.
     SECTION 3.08 Investment Company Status. Neither Borrower nor any of its Material Subsidiaries is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.
     SECTION 3.09 Taxes. Each of Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which Borrower or the applicable Material Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
     SECTION 3.10 ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans, in each of such cases so as to cause a Material Adverse Effect.
     SECTION 3.11 Disclosure. Borrower has disclosed to the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters known to Borrower, that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of the reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or delivered hereunder or thereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, taken as a whole, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
ARTICLE IV
Conditions
     SECTION 4.01 Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):
     (a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) counterparts of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed counterparts of this Agreement.
     (b) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from Borrower an original of each applicable Note signed on behalf of Borrower.
     (c) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from Borrower and from each other party to the Loan Documents (other than the Notes) either (i) counterparts of each applicable Loan Document signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy transmission of a signed signature page of the applicable Loan Document) that such party has signed counterparts of such Loan Document.
     (d) The Administrative Agent shall have received written opinions (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of (i) Richard E. Chandler, Jr., General Counsel of Borrower, and (ii) Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, counsel for Borrower, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, covering such other matters relating to Borrower, the Loan Documents or the Transactions as the Required Lenders shall reasonably request.
     (e) The Administrative Agent shall have received such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of Borrower, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to Borrower, the Loan Documents or the Transactions, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

 


 

     (f) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02.
     (g) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel) required to be reimbursed or paid by Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document.
The Administrative Agent shall notify Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.
     SECTION 4.02 Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing is subject to receipt of the request therefor in accordance herewith and to the satisfaction of the following conditions:
     (a) The representations and warranties of Borrower set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Borrowing.
     (b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and there shall have occurred no event which would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Each Borrowing shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.
ARTICLE V
Affirmative Covenants
     Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full, Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
     SECTION 5.01 Financial Statements; Ratings Change and Other Information. Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender:
     (a) within 105 days after the end of each fiscal year, Borrower’s audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by Deloitte & Touche LLP or other independent registered public accounting firm of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;
     (b) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, a certificate of the independent registered public accounting firm that reported on such financial statements stating whether they obtained knowledge during the course of their examination of such financial statements of any Default (which certificate may be limited to the extent required by accounting rules or guidelines);
     (c) within 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter of each fiscal year, Borrower’s unaudited (i) consolidated balance sheets as of the end of such fiscal quarter and the preceding fiscal year-end period, (ii) related statements of operations for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, and (iii) related statements of cash flows for the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, in the case of (ii) and (iii), setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The quarterly financial statements should be certified by a Financial Officer of Borrower as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
     (d) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (c) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of Borrower (i) certifying as to whether, to the knowledge of such officer, a Default has occurred and, if such officer has knowledge of the occurrence of a Default, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 5.09 and (iii) to the extent that any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04

 


 

which affects the financial statements accompanying such certificate, specifying the effect of such change on such financial statements;
     (e) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of each Form 10-Q and Form 10-K filed by Borrower with the Securities and Exchange Commission or with any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission; and
     (f) promptly following any request therefore, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request.
     SECTION 5.02 Notices of Material Events. Borrower will, promptly after becoming aware of the same, furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender written notice of the following:
     (a) the occurrence of any Default;
     (b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting Borrower or any of its Affiliates that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
     (c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect; and
     (d) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.
Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.
     SECTION 5.03 Existence; Conduct of Business. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03.
     SECTION 5.04 Payment of Obligations. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, that, if not paid, could result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) Borrower or its applicable Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
     SECTION 5.05 Maintenance of Properties; Insurance. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (a) keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and (b) maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.
     SECTION 5.06 Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Material Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice to Borrower, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested.
     SECTION 5.07 Compliance with Laws. Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
     SECTION 5.08 Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans will be used only to refinance existing Indebtedness and for other working capital needs and general corporate purposes. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X, or to fund

 


 

any activity or business with any Person or in or with any country or territory which in any manner would result in a violation by any Person of any sanction or prohibition imposed by a Governmental Authority.
     SECTION 5.09 Financial Covenants. Borrower will have and maintain, on a consolidated basis, a Debt to Capitalization Ratio of not greater than 45%.
ARTICLE VI
Negative Covenants
     Until the Commitments have expired or terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder have been paid in full, Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
     SECTION 6.01 Subsidiary Indebtedness. Borrower will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:
     (a) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.01, all Indebtedness issuable under the instruments and documents set forth in Schedule 6.01 and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;
     (b) Indebtedness created hereunder;
     (c) Indebtedness of any such Subsidiary to any other such Subsidiary;
     (d) Indebtedness of any such Subsidiary as an account party in respect of trade letters of credit;
     (e) Indebtedness arising under Swap Agreements which have been entered into for bona fide hedging purposes and not for speculative purposes; and
     (f) other Indebtedness in an aggregate amount not exceeding, at any one time outstanding, $275,000,000.
     SECTION 6.02 Liens. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:
     (a) Permitted Encumbrances;
     (b) any Lien on any property or asset of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than proceeds of such property or asset) and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;
     (c) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of Borrower after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of Borrower; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary of Borrower, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of Borrower or any Subsidiary of Borrower (other than proceeds of such property or asset) and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary of Borrower, as the case may be and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof; and
     (d) Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that (i) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (e) of Section 6.01, (ii) such security interests and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed 100% of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such security interests shall not apply to any other property or assets of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than proceeds of such property or asset); provided, however, that the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness secured by Liens permitted under this Section 6.02(d) shall not exceed $150,000,000.

 


 

     SECTION 6.03 Fundamental Changes.
     (a) Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets, or all or substantially all of the stock of any of its Subsidiaries (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate or dissolve, except that, so long as at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) any Subsidiary of Borrower may merge into Borrower in a transaction in which Borrower is the surviving corporation, (ii) any Subsidiary of Borrower may merge into any other Subsidiary of Borrower in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Subsidiary of Borrower, (iii) any Subsidiary of Borrower may sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of its assets to Borrower or to another Subsidiary of Borrower, and (iv) any Subsidiary of Borrower may liquidate or dissolve if Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders.
     (b) Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto.
     SECTION 6.04 Transactions with Affiliates. Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties and (b) transactions between or among Borrower and its wholly owned Subsidiaries not involving any other Affiliate.
ARTICLE VII
Events of Default
     If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:
     (a) Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;
     (b) Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of five Business Days;
     (c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of Borrower in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been materially incorrect when made or deemed made;
     (d) Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Sections 5.01 or 5.09 or in Article VI;
     (e) Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after the earlier of (i) Borrower becoming aware of such failure and (ii) notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender);
     (f) any event or condition occurs that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness of Borrower (but not of any Subsidiary of Borrower) or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any such Material Indebtedness of Borrower to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity;
     (g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity (other than the voluntary prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof);
     (h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries or the debts, or of a substantial part of the assets, of any of them under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Borrower or any of its

 


 

Material Subsidiaries or for a substantial part of the assets of any of them, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;
     (i) Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
     (j) Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;
     (k) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $20,000,000 (exclusive of amounts covered by insurance) shall be rendered against Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 45 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries to enforce any such judgment;
     (l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
     (m) a Change in Control shall occur;
then, and in every such event (other than an event described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by Borrower; and in case of any event described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by Borrower.
ARTICLE VIII
The Administrative Agent
     Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its agent and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of the Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
     The bank serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and such bank and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of business with Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its other Affiliates as if it were not the Administrative Agent hereunder.
     The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated by the Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02), and (c) except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is communicated to or obtained by the bank serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be

 


 

necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 9.02) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, BUT REGARDLESS OF THE PRESENCE OF ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the immediate officers of the Administrative Agent responsible for this Agreement by Borrower or a Lender and is called a “notice of default”, and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.
     The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
     The Administrative Agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of the preceding paragraphs shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.
     Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may (and, in the event (i) neither the Administrative Agent nor any Affiliate, as a Lender, has any outstanding Loans and (ii) the Required Lenders so request, the Administrative Agent shall) resign at any time by notifying the Lenders and Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor, with the prior written consent of Borrower (unless an Event of Default shall have occurred which is continuing, in which event Borrower’s consent shall not be required). If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent which shall be a bank with an office in New York City, or an Affiliate of any such bank. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder. The fees payable by Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between Borrower and such successor. After the Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent.
     Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
ARTICLE IX
Miscellaneous
     SECTION 9.01 Notices.
     (a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy, as follows:
     (i) if to Borrower, to 16740 Hardy Street, Houston, Texas ###-###-####, Attention: Margaret Dorman (Telecopy No.  ###-###-####);

 


 

     (ii) if to the Administrative Agent, to DnB NOR Bank ASA, 333 Clay Street, Suite 3950, Houston, Texas 77002, Attention: Alberto Caceda (Telecopy No.  ###-###-####); and
     (iii) if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.
     (b) Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. The Administrative Agent or Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.
     (c) Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.
     SECTION 9.02 Waivers; Amendments.
     (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
     (b) Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except, in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by Borrower and the Required Lenders or, in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and Borrower, in each case with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iii) postpone the scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan, or any interest thereon, or any fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iv) change Section 2.16(b) or (c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby or change Section 2.07(c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata treatment required thereby, without the written consent of each Lender, (v) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender, or (vi) terminate or modify any indemnity provided to a Lender hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of such Lender; provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.
     SECTION 9.03 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.
     (a) Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and (ii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.

 


 

     (b) Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of any Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the parties to the Loan Documents of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby or the enforcement of any obligations hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, (ii) any Loan or the use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property currently or formerly owned or operated by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee (or any of its Related Parties), BUT THE PRESENCE OF ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE SHALL NOT AFFECT THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH INDEMNITY.
     (c) To the extent that Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such. For purposes hereof, a Lender’s “pro rata share” shall be determined based upon (without duplication) its share of the sum of the total outstanding Loans and unused Commitments at the time.
     (d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall assert, and each hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions or any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof.
     (e) All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than three Business Days after written demand therefor.
     SECTION 9.04 Successors and Assigns.
     (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that (i) no Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
     (b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) of: (A) Borrower, provided that no consent of Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund (as defined below) or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee; and (B) the Administrative Agent, provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment to an assignee that is a Lender immediately prior to giving effect to such assignment or an Affiliate of such a Lender.
     (ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions: (A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment, neither the amount of the Commitment retained by the assigning Lender nor the amount of the Commitment being assigned (in each case, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall be less than the Minimum Hold Amount unless Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent (such consents not to be unreasonably withheld), provided that no such consent of Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; (B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement; (C) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; (D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender,

 


 

shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire; and (E) in the case of an assignment to a CLO (as defined below), the assigning Lender shall retain the sole right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, provided that the Assignment and Assumption between such Lender and such CLO may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of such CLO, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such CLO.
For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “CLO” have the following meanings:
     “Approved Fund” means (a) a CLO and (b) with respect to any Lender that is a fund which invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit, any other fund that invests in bank loans and similar extensions of credit and is managed by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor.
     “CLO” means any entity (whether a corporation, partnership, trust or otherwise) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and is administered or managed by a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender.
     (iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.13, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (e) of this Section.
     (iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
     (v) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.
     (c) (i) Any Lender may, without the consent of any Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (C) Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, and (D) no such participation may be sold to any entity which is engaged principally in the oilfield products and services business unless Borrower shall have given its prior written consent. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. Subject to paragraph (c)(ii) of this Section, Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.13, 2.14 and 2.15 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.16(c) as though it were a Lender.
     (ii) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.13 or 2.15 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation

 


 

to such Participant is made with Borrower’s prior written consent. A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 2.15 unless Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of Borrower, to comply with Section 2.15(e) as though it were a Lender.
     (d) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
     SECTION 9.05 Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by Borrower in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid. The provisions of Sections 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
     SECTION 9.06 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
     SECTION 9.07 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
     SECTION 9.08 Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by such Lender or Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of Borrower against any of and all the obligations of Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement held by such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender may have.
     SECTION 9.09 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
     (a) THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
     (b) Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may

 


 

otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against Borrower or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
     (c) Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
     (d) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
     SECTION 9.10 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 ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
     SECTION 9.11 Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
     SECTION 9.12 Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent required by any regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required in the opinion of legal counsel by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the enforcement of rights hereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) is disclosed to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis by a source other than Borrower, which disclosure is not the result of a breach of a duty of confidentiality owed by the discloser to Borrower if such breach was reasonably discoverable by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Lender, as the case may be. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from Borrower relating to Borrower or its business, other than any such information that is known to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by Borrower. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
     SECTION 9.13 Interest Rate Limitation. Borrower and the Lenders intend to strictly comply with all applicable federal and New York laws, including applicable usury laws (or the usury laws of any jurisdiction whose usury laws are deemed to apply to the Notes or any other Loan Documents despite the intention and desire of the parties to apply the usury laws of the State of New York). Accordingly, the provisions of this Section shall govern and control over every other provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document which conflicts or is inconsistent with this Section, even if such provision declares that it controls. As used in this Section, the term “interest” includes the aggregate of all charges, fees, benefits or other compensation which constitute interest under applicable law, provided that, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, (a) any non-principal payment shall be characterized as an expense or as compensation for something other than the use, forbearance or detention of money and not as interest, and (b) all interest at any time contracted for, reserved, charged or received shall be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread, using the actuarial method, during the full term of the Notes. In no event shall Borrower or any other Person be obligated to pay, or any Lender have any right or privilege to reserve, receive or retain, (a) any interest in excess of the maximum amount of nonusurious interest permitted under the laws of the State of New York or the applicable laws (if any) of the United States or of any other

 


 

jurisdiction, or (b) total interest in excess of the amount which such Lender could lawfully have contracted for, reserved, received, retained or charged had the interest been calculated for the full term of the Notes at the Ceiling Rate. The daily interest rates to be used in calculating interest at the Ceiling Rate shall be determined by dividing the applicable Ceiling Rate per annum by the number of days in the calendar year for which such calculation is being made. None of the terms and provisions contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document (including, without limitation, Article VII hereof) which directly or indirectly relate to interest shall ever be construed without reference to this Section, or be construed to create a contract to pay for the use, forbearance or detention of money at any interest rate in excess of the Ceiling Rate. If the term of any Note is shortened by reason of acceleration or maturity as a result of any Default or by any other cause, or by reason of any required or permitted prepayment, and if for that (or any other) reason any Lender at any time, including but not limited to, the stated maturity, is owed or receives (and/or has received) interest in excess of interest calculated at the Ceiling Rate, then and in any such event all of any such excess interest shall be canceled automatically as of the date of such acceleration, prepayment or other event which produces the excess, and, if such excess interest has been paid to such Lender, it shall be credited pro tanto against the then-outstanding principal balance of Borrower’s obligations to such Lender, effective as of the date or dates when the event occurs which causes it to be excess interest, until such excess is exhausted or all of such principal has been fully paid and satisfied, whichever occurs first, and any remaining balance of such excess shall be promptly refunded to its payor.
     SECTION 9.14 Syndication Agent, Senior Managing Agent and as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners. The entities named as Syndication Agent, as Senior Managing Agent and as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners hereunder, in such capacities, shall have no rights, powers, duties, obligations or liabilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, but to the extent that for any reason any Person makes a claim against entities, in their capacities as Syndication Agent, as Senior Managing Agent and as Co-Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners and not as a Lender, the indemnification provisions in Article VIII and in Section 9.03 shall apply.
     SECTION 9.15 USA Patriot Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”) hereby notifies Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Borrower, which information includes the name and address of Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify Borrower in accordance with the Act.
     SECTION 9.16 Amendment and Restatement. This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety that certain Credit Agreement dated as of March 9, 2009 executed by and among Borrower, DnB NORBank ASA, as Administrative Agent, and certain financial institutions therein set forth, as the same may have been amended prior to the date hereof.

 


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
         
  SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
 
  By:   /s/ MARGARET K. DORMAN    
    Margaret K. Dorman, Executive Vice   
    President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer   
 
[Signature Pages to Credit Agreement]

 


 

         
  DNB NOR BANK ASA, individually and as Administrative Agent and as Co-Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner
 
 
  By:   /s/ SANJIV NAYAR    
    Name:   Sanjiv Nayar   
    Title:   Senior Vice President   
 
     
  By:   /s/ ALFRED C. JONES III    
    Name:   Alfred C. Jones III   
    Title:   Senior Vice President   
 
[Signature Pages to Credit Agreement]

 


 

         
  CALYON NEW YORK BRANCH,
individually, and as Senior Managing Agent
 
 
  By:   /s/ DAVID GURGHIGIAN    
    Name:   David Gurchigian   
    Title:   Managing Director   
 
     
  By:   /s/ MICHAEL D. WILLIS    
    Name:   Michael D. Willis   
    Title:   Managing Director   
 
[Signature Pages to Credit Agreement]

 


 

         
  WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,
Individually and as Syndication Agent
 
 
  By:   /s/ DONALD W. HERRICK, JR.    
    Name:   Donald W. Herrick, Jr.   
    Title:   Vice President   
 
  WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,
as Co-Lead Arranger and Joint Bookrunner
 
 
  By:   /s/ KEVIN LILLY    
    Name:   Kevin Lilly   
    Title:   Vice President   
 
[Signature Pages to Credit Agreement]