Credit Agreement, dated February 14, 2019, between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated; KeyBank National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and Issuing Lender; KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. as Lead Arranger and Sole Book Runner; and the lenders named therein

Contract Categories: Business Finance - Credit Agreements
EX-10.1 2 d709632dex101.htm EX-10.1 EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

— — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — —

— — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — —

— — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — —

— — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — —

Published Transaction CUSIP Number: 87124KAE3

Published Revolver CUSIP Number: 87124KAF0

CREDIT AGREEMENT

among

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

as Borrower

THE LENDERS NAMED HEREIN

as Lenders

and

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and Issuing Lender

KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS INC.

as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Runner

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

CITIBANK, N.A.

as Co-Syndication Agents

CITIZENS BANK, N.A.

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Co-Documentation Agents

 

 

dated as of

February 14, 2019

 

 

— — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — —

— — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — —

— — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — —

— — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —  — — — — — — — — —


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page  

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

    1  

Section 1.1. Definitions

    1  

Section 1.2. Accounting Terms

    29  

Section 1.3. Terms Generally

    29  

Section 1.4. Divisions

    29  

ARTICLE II. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT

    30  

Section 2.1. Amount and Nature of Credit

    30  

Section 2.2. Revolving Credit Commitment

    30  

Section 2.3. Interest

    35  

Section 2.4. Evidence of Indebtedness

    36  

Section 2.5. Notice of Loans and Credit Events; Funding of Loans

    36  

Section 2.6. Payment on Loans and Other Obligations

    38  

Section 2.7. Prepayment

    40  

Section 2.8. Commitment and Other Fees

    41  

Section 2.9. Modifications to Commitment

    41  

Section 2.10. Computation of Interest and Fees

    42  

Section 2.11. Mandatory Payments

    42  

Section 2.12. Cash Collateral

    43  

ARTICLE III. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO LIBOR FIXED RATE LOANS; INCREASED CAPITAL; TAXES

    44  

Section 3.1. Requirements of Law

    44  

Section 3.2. Taxes

    45  

Section 3.3. Funding Losses

    50  

Section 3.4. Eurodollar Rate or Alternate Currency Rate Lending Unlawful; Inability to Determine

Rate

    50  

Section 3.5. Discretion of Lenders as to Manner of Funding

    52  

Section 3.6. Replacement of Lenders

    52  

ARTICLE IV. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

    52  

Section 4.1. Conditions to Each Credit Event

    52  

Section 4.2. Conditions to the First Credit Event

    53  

ARTICLE V. COVENANTS

    55  

Section 5.1. Insurance

    55  

Section 5.2. Money Obligations

    55  

Section 5.3. Financial Statements and Information

    56  

Section 5.4. Financial Records

    57  

Section 5.5. Franchises; Change in Business

    57  

Section 5.6. ERISA Pension and Benefit Plan Compliance

    57  

Section 5.7. Financial Covenants

    58  

Section 5.8. Borrowing

    58  

Section 5.9. Liens

    59  

Section 5.10. Regulations T, U and X

    60  

Section 5.11. Investments, Loans and Guaranties

    60  

Section 5.12. Merger and Sale of Assets

    61  

 

i


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page  

Section 5.13. Acquisitions

    62  

Section 5.14. Notice

    63  

Section 5.15. Restricted Payments

    63  

Section 5.16. Environmental Compliance

    63  

Section 5.17. Affiliate Transactions

    64  

Section 5.18. Use of Proceeds

    64  

Section 5.19. Subsidiary Guaranties and Pledge of Stock or Other Ownership Interest

    64  

Section 5.20. Restrictive Agreements

    65  

Section 5.21. Pari Passu Ranking

    66  

Section 5.22. Guaranty Under Material Indebtedness Agreement

    66  

Section 5.23. Amendment of Organizational Documents

    66  

Section 5.24. Beneficial Ownership

    66  

Section 5.25. Further Assurances

    66  

ARTICLE VI. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

    66  

Section 6.1. Corporate Existence; Subsidiaries; Foreign Qualification

    66  

Section 6.2. Corporate Authority

    67  

Section 6.3. Compliance with Laws and Contracts

    67  

Section 6.4. Litigation and Administrative Proceedings

    68  

Section 6.5. Title to Assets

    68  

Section 6.6. Liens and Security Interests

    68  

Section 6.7. Tax Returns

    68  

Section 6.8. Environmental Laws

    69  

Section 6.9. Continued Business

    69  

Section 6.10. Employee Benefits Plans

    69  

Section 6.11. Consents or Approvals

    70  

Section 6.12. Solvency

    70  

Section 6.13. Financial Statements

    71  

Section 6.14. Regulations

    71  

Section 6.15. Material Agreements

    71  

Section 6.16. Intellectual Property

    71  

Section 6.17. Insurance

    71  

Section 6.18. Accurate and Complete Statements

    72  

Section 6.19. Investment Company; Other Restrictions

    72  

Section 6.20. Beneficial Ownership

    72  

Section 6.21. Defaults

    72  

ARTICLE VII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

    72  

Section 7.1. Payments

    72  

Section 7.2. Special Covenants

    72  

Section 7.3. Other Covenants

    72  

Section 7.4. Representations and Warranties

    72  

Section 7.5. Cross Default

    73  

Section 7.6. ERISA Default

    73  

Section 7.7. Change in Control

    73  

Section 7.8. Judgments

    73  

Section 7.9. Security

    73  

 

ii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page  

Section 7.10. Validity of Loan Documents

     74  

Section 7.11. Solvency

     74  

ARTICLE VIII. REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT

     74  

Section 8.1. Optional Defaults

     75  

Section 8.2. Automatic Defaults

     75  

Section 8.3. Letters of Credit

     75  

Section 8.4. Offsets

     75  

Section 8.5. Equalization Provisions

     76  

Section 8.6. Other Remedies

     76  

Section 8.7. Application of Proceeds

     76  

ARTICLE IX. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     77  

Section 9.1. Appointment and Authorization

     78  

Section 9.2. Note Holders

     78  

Section 9.3. Consultation With Counsel

     78  

Section 9.4. Documents

     78  

Section 9.5. Administrative Agent and Affiliates

     78  

Section 9.6. Knowledge or Notice of Default

     79  

Section 9.7. Action by Administrative Agent

     79  

Section 9.8. Release of Guarantor of Payment or Pledge of Stock

     79  

Section 9.9. Delegation of Duties

     80  

Section 9.10. Indemnification of Administrative Agent

     80  

Section 9.11. Successor Administrative Agent

     80  

Section 9.12. Issuing Lender

     81  

Section 9.13. Swing Line Lender

     81  

Section 9.14. Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

     81  

Section 9.15. No Reliance on Administrative Agent’s Customer Identification Program

     81  

Section 9.16. Other Agents

     82  

Section 9.17. Designated Swap Obligation Lender

     82  

ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS

     82  

Section 10.1. Lenders’ Independent Investigation

     82  

Section 10.2. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies

     83  

Section 10.3. Amendments, Waivers and Consents

     83  

Section 10.4. Notices

     85  

Section 10.5. Costs, Expenses and Documentary Taxes

     85  

Section 10.6. Indemnification

     85  

Section 10.7. Obligations Several; No Fiduciary Obligations

     86  

Section 10.8. Execution in Counterparts

     86  

Section 10.9. Binding Effect; Borrower’s Assignment

     86  

Section 10.10. Lender Assignments

     86  

Section 10.11. Sale of Participations

     88  

Section 10.12. Defaulting Lenders

     89  

Section 10.13. Patriot Act Notice

     92  

Section 10.14. Severability of Provisions; Captions; Attachments

     93  

Section 10.15. Investment Purpose

     93  

 

iii


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page  

Section 10.16. Entire Agreement

    93  

Section 10.17. Limitations on Liability of the Issuing Lender

    93  

Section 10.18. General Limitation of Liability

    93  

Section 10.19. No Duty

    94  

Section 10.20. Legal Representation of Parties

    94  

Section 10.21. Judgment Currency

    94  

Section 10.22. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions

    95  

Section 10.23. ERISA Representations

    95  

Section 10.24. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction

    97  

Jury Trial Waiver

    Signature Page 1  

 

Exhibit A   

Form of Revolving Credit Note

Exhibit B   

Form of Swing Line Note

Exhibit C   

Form of Notice of Loan

Exhibit D   

Form of Compliance Certificate

Exhibit E   

Form of Assignment and Acceptance Agreement

Exhibit F-1

  

Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit F-2

  

Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit F-3

  

Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit F-4   

Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Schedule 1   

Commitments of Lenders

Schedule 2   

Guarantors of Payment

Schedule 3   

Pledged Securities

Schedule 5.8   

Indebtedness

Schedule 5.9   

Liens

Schedule 5.11   

Permitted Foreign Subsidiary Loans, Guaranties and Investments

Schedule 6.1   

Corporate Existence; Subsidiaries; Foreign Qualification

Schedule 6.4   

Litigation and Administrative Proceedings

Schedule 6.10   

Employee Benefits Plans

Schedule 6.15   

Material Agreements

 

 

iv


This CREDIT AGREEMENT (as the same may from time to time be amended, restated or otherwise modified, this “Agreement”) is made effective as of the 14th day of February, 2019 among:

(a)         SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED, a Florida corporation (the “Borrower”);

(b)         the lenders listed in the Register, as hereinafter defined, and each other Eligible Transferee, as hereinafter defined, that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 2.9(b) or 10.10 hereof (collectively, the “Lenders” and, individually, each a “Lender”); and

(c)         KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as the administrative agent for the Lenders under this Agreement (the “Administrative Agent”), the Swing Line Lender and the Issuing Lender.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders desire to contract for the establishment of credits in the aggregate principal amounts hereinafter set forth, to be made available to the Borrower upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, it is mutually agreed as follows:

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

“Acquisition” means any transaction or series of related transactions for the purpose of or resulting, directly or indirectly, in (a) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of any Person (other than a Company), or any business or division of any Person (other than a Company), (b) the acquisition of in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock (or other equity interest) of any Person (other than a Company), or (c) the acquisition of another Person (other than a Company) by a merger, amalgamation or consolidation or any other combination with such Person.

“Additional Commitment” means that term as defined in Section 2.9(b)(i) hereof.

“Additional Lender” means a financial institution that shall become a Lender during the Commitment Increase Period pursuant to Section 2.9(b) hereof.


“Additional Lender Assumption Agreement” means an additional lender assumption agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, wherein an Additional Lender shall become a Lender.

“Additional Lender Assumption Effective Date” means that term as defined in Section 2.9(b)(ii) hereof.

“Administrative Agent” means that term as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

“Administrative Agent Fee Letter” means the Administrative Agent Fee Letter between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, dated as of the Closing Date, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated or otherwise modified.

“Advantage” means any payment (whether made voluntarily or involuntarily, by offset of any deposit or other indebtedness or otherwise) received by any Lender in respect of the Obligations, if such payment results in that Lender having less than its pro rata share (based upon its Commitment Percentage) of the Obligations then outstanding.

“Affiliate” means any Person, directly or indirectly, controlling, controlled by or under common control with a Company and “control” (including the correlative meanings, the terms “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the power, directly or indirectly, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Company, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

“Agreement” means that term as defined in the first paragraph of this agreement.

“Alternate Currency” means (a) Euros, Canadian Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Swedish Krona, in each case as acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and (b) any other currency, other than Dollars, agreed to by the Administrative Agent that (i) shall be freely transferable and convertible into Dollars, (ii) is dealt with in the London interbank deposit market, and (iii) for which no central bank or other governmental authorization in the country of issue of such currency is required to give authorization for the use of such currency by any Lender for making Revolving Loans unless such authorization has been obtained and remains in full force and effect.

“Alternate Currency Exposure” means, at any time and without duplication, the sum of the Dollar Equivalent of (a) the aggregate principal amount of Alternate Currency Loans, and (b) the Letter of Credit Exposure that is denominated in one or more Alternate Currencies.

“Alternate Currency Loan” means a Loan described in Section 2.2(a) hereof, that shall be denominated in an Alternate Currency and on which the Borrower shall pay interest at the Derived Alternate Currency Rate.

“Alternate Currency Maximum Amount” means Two Hundred Million Dollars ($200,000,000).

 

2


“Alternate Currency Rate” means, with respect to an Alternate Currency Loan, for any Interest Period, a rate per annum equal to the quotient obtained (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/16th of 1%) by dividing (a) the rate of interest, determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with its usual procedures (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) as published by Thomson Reuters (or other commercially available source providing such interest rate quotations as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) for such Alternate Currency as the interbank lending rate for leading banks in the applicable jurisdiction as of approximately 11:00 A.M. (Local Time) two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period (or such other time as the Administrative Agent may reasonably determine in light of the rate setting mechanism), for deposits in the relevant Alternate Currency in immediately available funds with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period, provided that, in the event that such rate quotation is not available for any reason, then the Alternate Currency Rate for such Alternate Currency shall be the average (rounded upward to the nearest 1/16th of 1%) of the per annum rates at which deposits in immediately available funds in the relevant Alternate Currency for the relevant Interest Period and in the amount of the Alternate Currency Loan to be disbursed or to remain outstanding during such Interest Period, as the case may be, are offered to the Administrative Agent (or an affiliate of the Administrative Agent, in the Administrative Agent’s discretion) by leading banks in any Alternate Currency market reasonably selected by the Administrative Agent or, if lower, at the option of the Administrative Agent, the per annum rate at which deposits in immediately available funds in the relevant Alternate Currency for the relevant Interest Period and in the amount of the Alternate Currency are offered by the Administrative Agent), determined as of 11:00 A.M. (Local Time) (or as soon thereafter as practicable), two Business Days prior to the beginning of the relevant Interest Period pertaining to such Alternate Currency Loan hereunder; by (b) 1.00 minus the Reserve Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Alternate Currency Rate as determined above is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

“Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Companies from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.

“Applicable Commitment Fee Rate” means:

(a)         for the period from the Closing Date through May 31, 2019, twelve and one-half (12.50) basis points; and

(b)         commencing with the Consolidated financial statements of the Borrower for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2019, the number of basis points set forth in the following matrix, based upon the result of the computation of the Leverage Ratio as set forth in the Compliance Certificate for such fiscal period, and, thereafter, as set forth in each successive Compliance Certificate, as provided below:

 

Leverage Ratio    Applicable Commitment Fee Rate

Less than to 1.00 to 1.00

   12.50 basis points

Greater than or equal to 1.00 to 1.00 but less

   15.00 basis points

 

3


than 2.00 to 1.00

    

Greater than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00 but less

than to 3.00 to 1.00

   17.50 basis points

Greater than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00

   22.50 basis points

The first date on which the Applicable Commitment Fee is subject to change is June 1, 2019. After June 1, 2019, changes to the Applicable Commitment Fee Rate shall be effective on the first day of each calendar month following the date upon which the Administrative Agent should have received, pursuant to Section 5.3(a) and (b) hereof, the Consolidated financial statements of the Borrower. The above pricing matrix does not modify or waive, in any respect, the requirements of Section 5.7 hereof, the rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to charge the Default Rate, or the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Articles VII and VIII hereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) during any period when the Borrower shall have failed to timely deliver the Consolidated financial statements pursuant to Section 5.3(a) or (b) hereof, or the Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 5.3(c) hereof, until such time as the appropriate Consolidated financial statements and Compliance Certificate are delivered, the Applicable Commitment Fee Rate shall be the highest rate per annum indicated in the above pricing grid regardless of the Leverage Ratio at such time, and (ii) in the event that any financial information or certification provided to the Administrative Agent in the Compliance Certificate is shown to be inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement or the Commitment is in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Commitment Fee Rate for any period (an “Applicable Commitment Fee Period”) than the Applicable Commitment Fee Rate applied for such Applicable Commitment Fee Period, then (A) the Borrower shall immediately deliver to the Administrative Agent a corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Commitment Fee Period, (B) the Applicable Commitment Fee Rate shall be determined based on such corrected Compliance Certificate, and (C) the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Administrative Agent the accrued additional fees owing as a result of such increased Applicable Commitment Fee Rate for such Applicable Commitment Fee Period.

“Applicable Margin” means:

(a)         for the period from the Closing Date through May 31, 2019, one hundred (100.00) basis points for Eurodollar Loans and Alternate Currency Loans and zero (0.00) basis points for Base Rate Loans; and

(b)         commencing with the Consolidated financial statements of the Borrower for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2019, the number of basis points (depending upon whether Loans are Eurodollar Loans, Alternate Currency Loans or Base Rate Loans) set forth in the following matrix, based upon the result of the computation of the Leverage Ratio as set forth in the Compliance Certificate for such fiscal period, and, thereafter, as set forth in each successive Compliance Certificate, as provided below:

 

4


Leverage Ratio   

 

Applicable Basis Points for

Eurodollar Loans and Alternate

Currency Loans

 

  

Applicable Basis Points for

Base Rate Loans

Less than to 1.00 to 1.00

 

  

100.00

 

  

0.00

 

Greater than or equal to 1.00

to 1.00 but less than 2.00 to

1.00

   112.50    12.50

Greater than or equal to 2.00

to 1.00 but less than to 3.00 to

1.00

   137.50    37.50

Greater than or equal to 3.00

to 1.00

   162.50    62.50

The first date on which the Applicable Margin is subject to change is June 1, 2019. After June 1, 2019, changes to the Applicable Margin shall be effective on the first day of each calendar month following the date upon which the Administrative Agent should have received, pursuant to Section 5.3(a) and (b) hereof, the Consolidated financial statements of the Borrower. The above pricing matrix does not modify or waive, in any respect, the requirements of Section 5.7 hereof, the rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to charge the Default Rate, or the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Articles VII and VIII hereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) during any period when the Borrower shall have failed to timely deliver the Consolidated financial statements pursuant to Section 5.3(a) or (b) hereof, or the Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 5.3(c) hereof, until such time as the appropriate Consolidated financial statements and Compliance Certificate are delivered, the Applicable Margin shall be the highest rate per annum indicated in the above pricing grid for Loans of that type, regardless of the Leverage Ratio at such time, and (ii) in the event that any financial information or certification provided to the Administrative Agent in the Compliance Certificate is shown to be inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement or the Commitment is in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Margin for any period (an “Applicable Margin Period”) than the Applicable Margin applied for such Applicable Margin Period, then (A) the Borrower shall immediately deliver to the Administrative Agent a corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Margin Period, (B) the Applicable Margin shall be determined based on such corrected Compliance Certificate, and (C) the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Administrative Agent the accrued additional interest owing as a result of such increased Applicable Margin for such Applicable Margin Period.

“Approved Depository” means a domestic or foreign commercial bank or United States of America branch of a foreign bank licensed under the laws of the United States of America or a State thereof having (a) capital and surplus in excess of Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500,000,000) and (b) a senior unsecured long-term indebtedness rating from Standard & Poor’s of at least A-, or the equivalent thereof, or from Moody’s of at least A3, or the equivalent

 

5


thereof, or, with respect to any investment or deposit in a foreign bank in excess of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), an equivalent rating from a comparable foreign rating agency.

“Assignment Agreement” means an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement in the form of the attached Exhibit E.

“Authorized Officer” means a Financial Officer, the Vice President and General Counsel, or other individual authorized by a Financial Officer in writing (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) to handle certain administrative matters in connection with this Agreement.

“Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.

“Bail-In Legislation” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time that is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy”, as now or hereafter in effect, or any successor thereto, as hereafter amended.

“Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) one-half of one percent (.50%) in excess of the Federal Funds Effective Rate, and (c) one hundred (100.00) basis points in excess of the London interbank offered rate for loans in Eurodollars for a period of one month (or, if such day is not a Business Day, such rate as calculated on the most recent Business Day). Any change in the Base Rate shall be effective immediately from and after such change in the Base Rate.    Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time the Base Rate as determined above is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan described in Section 2.2(a) hereof, that shall be denominated in Dollars and on which the Borrower shall pay interest at the Derived Base Rate.

“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

“Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

“Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in and subject to Section 4975 of the Code, or (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of ERISA Section 3(42) or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.

“Borrower” means that term as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

 

6


“Borrower Investment Policy” means the Investment Policy of the Borrower in effect as of the Closing Date, together with such modifications as approved from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Borrower.

“Business Day” means a day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which national banks are authorized or required to close in Cleveland, Ohio, and, in addition, (a) if the applicable Business Day relates to a Eurodollar Loan, is a day of the year on which dealings in Dollar deposits are carried on in the London interbank Eurodollar market, and (b) if the applicable Business Day relates to an Alternate Currency, is a day of the year on which dealings in deposits are carried on in the relevant Alternate Currency.

“Capital Distribution” means a payment made, liability incurred or other consideration given by a Company to any Person that is not a Company, (a) for the purchase, acquisition, redemption, repurchase, payment or retirement of any capital stock or other equity interest of such Company, or (b) as a dividend, return of capital or other distribution (other than any stock dividend, stock split or other equity distribution payable only in capital stock or other equity of such Company) in respect of such Company’s capital stock or other equity interest.

“Capitalized Lease Obligations” means obligations of the Companies for the payment of rent for any real or personal property under leases or agreements to lease that, in accordance with GAAP, have been or should be capitalized on the books of the lessee and, for the purposes hereof, the amount of any such obligation shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

“Cash Collateralize” means to deposit cash or deposit account balances into a cash collateral account maintained with (or on behalf of) the Administrative Agent, and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, or, if the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Lender shall agree in their sole discretion, other credit support, to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Lender, as collateral for any Letter of Credit Exposure or obligations of the Lenders to fund participations in respect of any Letter of Credit Exposure, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Lender. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning analogous to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support.

“Cash Equivalent Investments” means:

(a)         securities issued, or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by, the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;

(b)         time deposits, demand deposits, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances of an Approved Depository, in each case with maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;

 

7


(c)         commercial paper issued by an Approved Depository or by the parent company of an Approved Depository and commercial paper issued by, or guaranteed by, any industrial or financial company with a short-term commercial paper rating of at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by Standard & Poor’s or at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s, or guaranteed by any industrial company with a long term unsecured debt rating of at least A or A2, or the equivalent of each thereof, from Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s, as the case may be, and in each case maturing within one calendar year after the date of acquisition;

(d)         investments in money market funds substantially all the assets of which are comprised of securities of the types described in subparts (a) through (c) above, or investments in money market funds of an investment management firm with assets in excess of Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500,000,000); and

(e)         investments in money market funds access to which is provided as part of “sweep” accounts maintained with an Approved Depository.

“Change in Control” means:

(a)         the acquisition of, or, if earlier, the shareholder or director approval of the acquisition of, ownership or voting control, directly or indirectly, beneficially (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Exchange Act) or of record, on or after the Closing Date, by any Person (other than John Sykes) or group (within the meaning of Sections 13d and 14d of the Exchange Act), of shares representing more than thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate ordinary Voting Power represented by the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Borrower;

(b)         if at any time during any period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Borrower cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board of directors on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board of directors was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above that constituted, at the time of such election or nomination, at least a majority of that board of directors, or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board of directors was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above that constituted, at the time of such election or nomination, at least a majority of that board of directors;

(c)         the occurrence of a change in control, or other term of similar import used therein, as defined in any Material Indebtedness Agreement; or

(d)         the Borrower shall no longer be subject to the periodical and other reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change

 

8


in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (ii) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

“Closing Date” means the effective date of this Agreement as set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

“Closing Fee Letter” means the Closing Fee Letter between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, dated as of the Closing Date.

“Closing Revolving Amount” means Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500,000,000).

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Collateral” means the Pledged Securities and any and all other assets of the Companies that, on or after the Closing Date, are pledged to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, to secure the Obligations.

“Commitment” means the obligation hereunder of the Lenders, during the Commitment Period, to make Loans and to participate in Swing Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit pursuant to the Revolving Credit Commitment, up to the Total Commitment Amount.

“Commitment Increase Period” means the period from the Closing Date to the date that is three hundred sixty-five (365) days prior to the last day of the Commitment Period.

“Commitment Percentage” means, for each Lender, the percentage set forth opposite such Lender’s name under the column headed “Commitment Percentage”, as listed on Schedule 1 hereto (taking into account any assignments pursuant to Section 10.10 hereof).

“Commitment Period” means the period from the Closing Date to February 13, 2024, or such earlier date on which the Commitment shall have been terminated pursuant to Article VIII hereof.

“Companies” means the Borrower and all Subsidiaries.

“Company” means the Borrower or a Subsidiary.

 

9


“Compliance Certificate” means a Compliance Certificate in the form of the attached Exhibit D.

“Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

“Consideration” means, in connection with an Acquisition, the aggregate consideration paid or to be paid, including borrowed funds, cash, deferred payments, the issuance of securities or notes, the assumption or incurring of liabilities (direct or contingent), the payment of consulting fees or fees for a covenant not to compete and any other consideration paid or to be paid for such Acquisition; provided that, if the amount paid or to be paid for any such consideration is not determinable at the time of such Acquisition, the amount paid or to be paid for such consideration shall be estimated by the Borrower, in its commercially reasonable discretion.

“Consolidated” means the resultant consolidation of the financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, including principles of consolidation consistent with those applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements referred to in Section 6.13 hereof; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may, at its discretion and consistent with the accounting principles applied in preparation of the consolidated financial statements referred to in Section 6.13 hereof, include the financial statements of John Cage Enterprises, Guangzhou Pin Duo, Shanghai Pintian and Suzhou Pin Zhuo for the purposes of preparing such consolidated financial statements.

“Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Charges” means, for any period, the aggregate of all depreciation and amortization charges (specifically including amortization of deferred grants) for fixed assets, leasehold improvements and general intangibles (specifically including goodwill) of the Borrower for such period, as determined on a Consolidated basis.

“Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, as determined on a Consolidated basis, (a) Consolidated Net Earnings for such period plus, without duplication, the aggregate amounts deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Earnings in respect of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense, (ii) Consolidated Income Tax Expense, (iii) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Charges, (iv) special non-cash losses and charges and other non-recurring non-cash losses and charges, (v) non-cash expenses incurred in connection with stock-based compensation, and (vi) (1) non-recurring costs and expenses paid in cash and incurred in connection with, or attributable to, a Significant Acquisition, that were incurred within one year of the consummation of such Significant Acquisition and that are otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in an aggregate amount and (2) non-recurring costs and expenses paid in cash and incurred in connection with other operating improvements and synergies projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realized as a result of actions taken or to be taken in connection with such Significant Acquisition that are to be incurred within one year of the consummation of such Significant Acquisition and that are otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in an aggregate amount (for both subparts (1) and (2) above) for each Significant Acquisition not to exceed the lesser of (A) Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000), or (B) fifteen percent (15%) of the

 

10


total Consideration for such Significant Acquisition, and (vii) onetime, non-recurring cash charges related to severance and other restructuring-related expenses, up to an aggregate amount not to exceed Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) during any twelve (12) month period; minus (b) to the extent included in Consolidated Net Earnings for such period, special non-cash gains and other non-recurring non-cash gains; provided that, for any period during which an Acquisition is made pursuant to Section 5.13 hereof, Consolidated EBITDA shall be recalculated to include the “EBITDA” of the acquired company (in each case, with appropriate pro forma adjustments acceptable to the Administrative Agent and calculated on the same basis as set forth in this definition).

“Consolidated Funded Indebtedness” means, at any date, all Indebtedness (including, but not limited to, short-term, long-term and Subordinated Indebtedness, if any) of the Borrower, as determined on a Consolidated basis.

“Consolidated Income Tax Expense” means, for any period, all provisions for taxes based on the gross or net income of the Borrower (including, without limitation, any additions to such taxes, and any penalties and interest with respect thereto), as determined on a Consolidated basis.

“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the interest expense of the Borrower for such period, as determined on a Consolidated basis.

“Consolidated Net Earnings” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Borrower for such period, as determined on a Consolidated basis.

“Consolidated Net Worth” means, at any date, the stockholders’ equity of the Borrower, determined as of such date on a Consolidated basis.

“Controlled Group” means a Company and each Person required to be aggregated with a Company under Code Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o).

“Credit Event” means the making by the Lenders of a Loan, the conversion by the Lenders of a Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar Loan, the continuation by the Lenders of a Eurodollar Loan after the end of the applicable Interest Period, or the issuance (or amendment or renewal) by the Issuing Lender of a Letter of Credit.

“Credit Party” means the Borrower, and any Subsidiary or other Affiliate that is a Guarantor of Payment.

“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions, from time to time in effect.

“Default” means an event or condition that constitutes, or with the lapse of any applicable grace period or the giving of notice or both would constitute, an Event of Default, and that has

 

11


not been waived by the Required Lenders (or, if required hereunder, all of the Lenders) in writing.

“Default Rate” means (a) with respect to any Loan or other Obligation for which a rate is specified, a rate per annum equal to two percent (2%) in excess of the rate otherwise applicable thereto, and (b) with respect to any other amount, if no rate is specified or available, a rate per annum equal to two percent (2%) in excess of the Derived Base Rate from time to time in effect.

“Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 10.12 hereof, a Lender, as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent, that (a) has failed (which failure has not been cured) to fund any Loan or any participation interest in Letters of Credit required to be made hereunder in accordance with the terms hereof (unless such Lender shall have notified the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing of its good faith determination that a condition under Section 4.1 hereof to its obligation to fund any Loan shall not have been satisfied); (b) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, or, solely in the case of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Lender, in writing that it does not intend to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement or has made a public statement to the effect that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such Lender shall have notified the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing of its good faith determination that a condition under Section 4.1 hereof to its obligation to fund any Loan shall not have been satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit; (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after receipt of a written request from the Administrative Agent or the Borrower to confirm that it will comply with the terms of this Agreement relating to its obligation to fund prospective Loans or participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Loans, and such request states that the requesting party has reason to believe that the Lender receiving such request may fail to comply with such obligation, and states such reason; (d) has (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity, or (iii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that, a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender, or any direct or indirect parent company thereof, by a Governmental Authority, so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States, or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets, or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender; or (e) has failed to pay to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender or any other Lender when due an amount owed by such Lender to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, unless such amount is subject to a good faith dispute or such failure has been cured. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one (1) or more of subparts (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 10.12 hereof) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower and each Lender.

 

12


“Derived Alternate Currency Rate” means a rate per annum equal to the sum of (a) the Applicable Margin (from time to time in effect) for Alternate Currency Loans, and (b) the Alternate Currency Rate applicable to the relevant Alternate Currency.

“Derived Base Rate” means a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Applicable Margin (from time to time in effect) for Base Rate Loans plus the Base Rate.

“Derived Eurodollar Rate” means a rate per annum equal to the sum of (a) the Applicable Margin (from time to time in effect) for Eurodollar Loans, and (b) the Eurodollar Rate.

“Designated Swap Obligations” means all obligations of a Company owing to a Lender (or an entity that is an affiliate of a then existing Lender) under a Hedge Agreement, but only so long as such Lender shall have provided a written confirmation to the Administrative Agent promptly upon execution of such Hedge Agreement that (a) it is documented pursuant to a standard International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. master agreement or reasonably comparable document, (b) provides for the method of calculating the reimbursable amount of the provider’s credit exposure with respect to such Hedge Agreement in a reasonable and customary manner, and (c) it is entered into for hedging (rather than speculative) purposes.

“Dollar” or the $ sign means lawful currency of the United States of America.

“Dollar Equivalent” means (a) with respect to an Alternate Currency Loan or Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternate Currency, the Dollar equivalent of the amount of such Alternate Currency Loan or Letter of Credit denominated in such Alternate Currency, determined by the Administrative Agent on the basis of its spot rate at approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) on the date two Business Days before the date of such Alternate Currency Loan or issuance of such Letter of Credit denominated in such Alternate Currency, for the purchase of the relevant Alternate Currency with Dollars for delivery on the date of such Alternate Currency Loan or Letter of Credit, and (b) with respect to any other amount, if such amount is denominated in Dollars, then such amount in Dollars and, otherwise the Dollar equivalent of such amount, determined by the Administrative Agent on the basis of its spot rate at approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) on the date for which the Dollar equivalent amount of such amount is being determined, for the purchase of the relevant Alternate Currency with Dollars for delivery on such date; provided that, in calculating the Dollar Equivalent for purposes of determining (i) the Borrower’s obligation to prepay Loans and Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2.11 hereof, or (ii) the Borrower’s ability to request additional Loans or Letters of Credit pursuant to the Commitment, the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion, on any Business Day selected by the Administrative Agent (prior to payment in full of the Obligations), calculate the Dollar Equivalent of each such Loan or Letter of Credit. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower of the Dollar Equivalent of such Alternate Currency Loan or any other amount, at the time that such Dollar Equivalent shall have been determined.

“Domestic Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

“Dormant Subsidiary” means a Company that (a) is not a Credit Party or the direct or indirect equity holder of a Credit Party, (b) has aggregate assets of less than Two Hundred Fifty

 

13


Thousand Dollars ($250,000) (or the foreign currency equivalent of such amount), and (c) has no direct or indirect Subsidiaries with aggregate assets, for such Company and all such Subsidiaries, of more than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) (or the foreign currency equivalent of such amount).

“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in subpart (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country that is a subsidiary of an institution described in subparts (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

“EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

“EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

“Eligible Transferee” means a commercial bank, financial institution or other “accredited investor” (as defined in SEC Regulation D) that is not the Borrower, a Subsidiary, an Affiliate or a natural person (or holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of a natural person).

“Environmental Laws” means all provisions of law (including the common law), statutes, ordinances, codes, rules, guidelines, policies, procedures, orders-in-council, regulations, permits, licenses, judgments, writs, injunctions, decrees, orders, awards and standards promulgated by a Governmental Authority or by any court, agency, instrumentality, regulatory authority or commission of any of the foregoing concerning environmental health or safety and protection of, or regulation of the discharge of substances into, the environment.

“Environmental Permits” means all permits, licenses, authorizations, certificates, approvals or registrations required by any Governmental Authority under any Environmental Laws.

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

“ERISA Event” means (a) the existence of a condition or event with respect to an ERISA Plan that presents a risk of the imposition of an excise tax or any other liability on a Company or of the imposition of a Lien on the assets of a Company; (b) the engagement by a Controlled Group member in a non-exempt “prohibited transaction” (as defined under ERISA Section 406 or Code Section 4975) or a breach of a fiduciary duty under ERISA that could result in liability to a Company; (c) the application by a Company for a waiver from the minimum funding requirements of Code Section 412 or ERISA Section 302 or a Controlled Group member is required to provide security under Code Section 401(a)(29) or ERISA Section 307; (d) the

 

14


occurrence of a Reportable Event with respect to any Pension Plan as to which notice is required to be provided to the PBGC; (e) the withdrawal by a Controlled Group member from a Multiemployer Plan in a “complete withdrawal” or a “partial withdrawal” (as such terms are defined in ERISA Sections 4203 and 4205, respectively); (f) the involvement of, or occurrence or existence of any event or condition that makes likely the involvement of, a Multiemployer Plan in any reorganization under ERISA Section 4241; (g) the failure of an ERISA Plan (and any related trust) that is intended to be qualified under Code Sections 401 and 501 to be so qualified or the failure of any “cash or deferred arrangement” under any such ERISA Plan to meet the requirements of Code Section 401(k); (h) the taking by the PBGC of any steps to terminate a Pension Plan or appoint a trustee to administer a Pension Plan, or the taking by a Controlled Group member of any steps to terminate a Pension Plan; (i) the failure by a Controlled Group member or an ERISA Plan to satisfy any requirements of law applicable to an ERISA Plan; (j) the commencement, existence or threatening of a claim, action, suit, audit or investigation with respect to an ERISA Plan, other than a routine claim for benefits; or (k) any incurrence by or any expectation of the incurrence by a Controlled Group member of any liability for post-retirement benefits under any Welfare Plan, other than as required by ERISA Section 601, et. seq. or Code Section 4980B.

“ERISA Plan” means an “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(3)) that a Controlled Group member at any time sponsors, maintains, contributes to, has liability with respect to or has an obligation to contribute to such plan.

“EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor entity), as in effect from time to time.

“Eurocurrency Liabilities” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

“Eurodollar” means a Dollar denominated deposit in a bank or branch outside of the United States of America.

“Eurodollar Loan” means a Revolving Loan described in Section 2.2(a) hereof, that shall be denominated in Dollars and on which the Borrower shall pay interest at the Derived Eurodollar Rate.

“Eurodollar Rate” means, with respect to a Eurodollar Loan, for any Interest Period, a rate per annum equal to the quotient obtained (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/16th of 1%) by dividing (a) the rate of interest, determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with its usual procedures (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) as of approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period pertaining to such Eurodollar Loan, as listed as the London interbank offered rate, as published by Thomson Reuters or Bloomberg (or, if for any reason such rate is unavailable from Thomson Reuters or Bloomberg, from any other similar company or service that provides rate quotations comparable to those currently provided by Thomson Reuters or Bloomberg) for Dollar deposits in immediately available funds with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period; by (b) 1.00 minus the Reserve Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing,

 

15


if at any time the Eurodollar Rate as determined above is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

“Event of Default” means an event or condition that shall constitute an event of default as defined in Article VII hereof.

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

“Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to a Recipient, any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office, or, in the case of any Lender, having its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof), or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes; (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 3.6 hereof), or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.2 hereof, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto, or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office; (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.2(e) hereof; and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed with respect to such Recipient under FATCA.

“Facility Office” means the office through which a Lender will perform its obligations under this Agreement.

“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as in effect on the Closing Date (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.

“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the nearest one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or any successor) on such day as being the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions arranged by federal funds brokers on the previous trading day, as computed and announced by such Federal Reserve Bank (or any successor) in substantially the same manner as such Federal Reserve Bank computes and announces the weighted average it refers to as the “Federal Funds Effective Rate” as of the Closing Date.

 

16


“Financial Officer” means any of the following officers: chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller. Unless otherwise qualified, all references to a Financial Officer in this Agreement shall refer to a Financial Officer of the Borrower.

“Foreign Benefit Plan” means each material plan, fund, program or policy established under the law of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America (or a state or local government thereof), whether formal or informal, funded or unfunded, insured or uninsured, providing employee benefits, including medical, hospital care, dental, sickness, accident, disability, life insurance, pension, retirement or savings benefits, under which one or more Companies have any liability with respect to any employee or former employee, but excluding any Foreign Pension Plan.

“Foreign Lender” means a Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States, a State or territory thereof or the District of Columbia.

“Foreign Pension Plan” means a pension plan required to be registered under the law of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America (or a state or local government thereof), that is maintained or contributed to by one or more Companies for their employees or former employees.

“Foreign Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America, a State thereof or the District of Columbia.

“Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the Issuing Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s outstanding Letter of Credit Exposure (to the extent of such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Credit Commitment) with respect to Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing Lender, other than Letter of Credit Exposure as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof; and (b) with respect to the Swing Line Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Swing Line Exposure (to the extent of such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Credit Commitment), other than Swing Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender’s participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders.

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as then in effect, which shall include the official interpretations thereof by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, applied on a basis consistent with the past accounting practices and procedures of the Borrower.

“Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state, province or territory or other political subdivision thereof, any governmental agency, department, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other governmental entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government, any securities exchange and any self-regulatory organization exercising such functions.

 

17


“Guangzhou Pin Duo” means Guangzhou Pin Duo Information Technology Service Co. Ltd., a legal entity organized under the laws of China.

“Guarantor” means a Person that shall have pledged its credit or property in any manner for the payment or other performance of the indebtedness, contract or other obligation of another and includes (without limitation) any guarantor (whether of payment or of collection), surety, co-maker, endorser or Person that shall have agreed conditionally or otherwise to make any purchase, loan or investment in order thereby to enable another to prevent or correct a default of any kind.

“Guarantor of Payment” means each of the Companies designated a “Guarantor of Payment” on Schedule 2 hereto, each of which is executing and delivering a Guaranty of Payment on the Closing Date, and any other Domestic Subsidiary that shall, pursuant to Section 5.19 hereof, execute and deliver a Guaranty of Payment to the Administrative Agent, or become a party by joinder to the Guaranty of Payment that was executed on the Closing Date, subsequent to the Closing Date.

“Guaranty of Payment” means each Guaranty of Payment executed and delivered on or after the Closing Date in connection with this Agreement by the Guarantors of Payment, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated or otherwise modified.

“Guaranty of Payment Joinder” means each Guaranty of Payment Joinder, executed and delivered by a Guarantor of Payment for the purpose of adding such Guarantor of Payment as a party to a previously executed Guaranty of Payment.

“Hedge Agreement” means any (a) hedge agreement, interest rate swap, cap, collar or floor agreement, or other interest rate management device entered into by a Company with any Person in connection with any Indebtedness of such Company, or (b) currency swap agreement, forward currency purchase agreement or similar arrangement or agreement designed to protect against fluctuations in currency exchange rates entered into by a Company.

“Indebtedness” means, for any Company, without duplication, (a) all obligations to repay borrowed money, direct or indirect, incurred, assumed, or guaranteed, (b) all obligations in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business), (c) all obligations under conditional sales or other title retention agreements, (d) all obligations (contingent or otherwise) under any letter of credit or banker’s acceptance, (e) all net obligations under any currency swap agreement, interest rate swap, cap, collar or floor agreement or other interest rate management device or any Hedge Agreement, (f) all synthetic leases, (g) all Capitalized Lease Obligations, (h) all obligations of such Company with respect to asset securitization financing programs, (i) all obligations to advance funds to, or to purchase assets, property or services from, any other Person in order to maintain the financial condition of such Person, (j) all indebtedness of the types referred to in subparts (a) through (i) above of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Company is a general partner or joint venturer, unless such indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Company, (k)

 

18


any other transaction (including forward sale or purchase agreements) having the commercial effect of a borrowing of money entered into by such Company to finance its operations or capital requirements, and (l) any guaranty of any obligation described in subparts (a) through (k) above.

“Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in the foregoing subpart (a), Other Taxes.

“Intercompany Note” means any term note or other promissory note evidencing any intercompany loan of the Borrower to a Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower.

“Interest Adjustment Date” means the last day of each Interest Period.

“Interest Coverage Ratio” means, as determined for the most recently completed four fiscal quarters of the Borrower, on a Consolidated basis, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense.

“Interest Period” means, with respect to a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan is made and ending on the last day of such period, as selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions hereof, and, thereafter (unless, with respect to a Eurodollar Loan, such Eurodollar Loan is converted to a Base Rate Loan), each subsequent period commencing on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of such period, as selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions hereof. The duration of each Interest Period for a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan shall be one month, two months, three months or six months, in each case as the Borrower may select upon notice, as set forth in Section 2.5 hereof; provided that (a) if the Borrower shall fail to so select the duration of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Loan at least three Business Days prior to the Interest Adjustment Date applicable to such Eurodollar Loan, the Borrower shall be deemed to have converted such Eurodollar Loan to a Base Rate Loan at the end of the then current Interest Period; and (b) each Alternate Currency Loan must be repaid on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service or any successor agency thereof.

“Issuing Lender” means, as to any Letter of Credit transaction hereunder, the Administrative Agent as issuer of the Letter of Credit, or, in the event that the Administrative Agent either shall be unable to issue or the Administrative Agent shall agree that another Lender may issue, a Letter of Credit, such other Lender as shall agree to issue the Letter of Credit in its own name, but in each instance on behalf of the Lenders.

“John Cage Enterprises” means John Cage Enterprises, Inc., a Missouri corporation.

“KeyBank” means KeyBank National Association, and its successors and assigns.

 

19


“Lender” means that term as defined in the first paragraph of this Agreement and, as the context requires, shall include the Issuing Lender and the Swing Line Lender.

“Letter of Credit” means a standby letter of credit that shall be issued by the Issuing Lender for the account of the Borrower or a Guarantor of Payment, including amendments thereto, if any, and shall have an expiration date no later than the earlier of (a) three hundred sixty-four (364) days after its date of issuance (provided that such Letter of Credit may provide for the renewal thereof for additional one year periods), or (b) thirty (30) days prior to the last day of the Commitment Period.

“Letter of Credit Commitment” means the commitment of the Issuing Lender, on behalf of the Lenders, to issue Letters of Credit in an aggregate face amount of up to Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000).

“Letter of Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the Dollar Equivalent of the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all issued and outstanding Letters of Credit, and (b) the aggregate of the draws made on Letters of Credit that have not been reimbursed by the Borrower or converted to a Revolving Loan pursuant to Section 2.2(b)(iv) hereof.

“Letter of Credit Fee” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, for any day, an amount equal to (a) the undrawn amount of such Letter of Credit, multiplied by (b) the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans in effect on such day divided by three hundred sixty (360).

“Leverage Ratio” means, as determined on a Consolidated basis, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness (as of the last day of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of the Borrower); to (b) Consolidated EBITDA (for the most recently completed four fiscal quarters of the Borrower).

“Leverage Ratio Step-Up Period” means a four consecutive fiscal quarter period of the Borrower that meets the following criteria: (a) a Material Acquisition Event shall have occurred during the first fiscal quarter of such period, and (b) on or prior to the last day of the first fiscal quarter of such period, the Borrower shall have requested that such period be designated a “Leverage Ratio Step-Up Period” pursuant to a written request to the Administrative Agent (and the Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of such a request promptly after receipt thereof from the Borrower); provided that (i) the designation of a Leverage Ratio Step-Up Period shall be available to the Borrower only after the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received, with respect to each Acquisition that is a part of such Material Acquisition Event, (A) the historical financial statements of the target entity of such Acquisition, and (B) a Pro Forma Compliance Certificate, and (ii) the Borrower shall request no more than four such Leverage Ratio Step-Up Periods during the Commitment Period.

“LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan” means a Eurodollar Loan or an Alternate Currency Loan.

“Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, security interest, lien (statutory or other), charge, assignment, hypothecation, encumbrance on, pledge or deposit of, or conditional sale,

 

20


lease (other than operating leases), sale with a right of redemption or other title retention agreement and any capitalized lease with respect to any property (real or personal) or asset.

“Liquidity Amount” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the Revolving Amount, minus (b) the Revolving Credit Exposure, plus (c) Cash Equivalent Investments.

“Loan” means a Revolving Loan or a Swing Loan.

“Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, each Note, each Guaranty of Payment, each Guaranty of Payment Joinder, each Pledge Agreement, all documentation relating to each Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent Fee Letter and the Closing Fee Letter, as any of the foregoing may from time to time be amended, restated or otherwise modified or replaced, and any other document delivered pursuant thereto.

“Local Time” means, with respect to Alternate Currency Loans and Letters of Credit that are denominated in Alternate Currencies, the local time in the principal financial center where such Alternate Currency is cleared and settled, as determined by the Administrative Agent, for the applicable Alternate Currency.

“Material Acquisition Event” means any time when any Company consummates an Acquisition the Consideration for which is greater than or equal to Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000).

“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower, (b) the business, operations, property, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Companies taken as a whole, or (c) the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder or thereunder.

“Material Indebtedness Agreement” means any debt instrument, capital lease, guaranty, contract, commitment, agreement or other arrangement evidencing or entered into in connection with any Indebtedness of any Company or the Companies equal to or in excess of the amount of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000).

“Maximum Amount” means, for each Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name under the column headed “Maximum Amount” as set forth on Schedule 1 hereto, subject to decreases pursuant to Section 2.9(a) hereof, increases pursuant to Section 2.9(b) hereof and assignments of interests pursuant to Section 10.10 hereof; provided that the Maximum Amount for the Swing Line Lender shall exclude the Swing Line Commitment (other than its pro rata share), and the Maximum Amount of the Issuing Lender shall exclude the Letter of Credit Commitment (other than its pro rata share thereof).

“Maximum Revolving Amount” means Seven Hundred Million Dollars ($700,000,000), as such amount may be reduced pursuant to Section 2.9(a) hereof.

 

21


“Minimum Collateral Amount” means, at any time, (a) with respect to Cash Collateral consisting of cash or deposit account balances, an amount equal to one hundred three percent (103%) of the Fronting Exposure of the Issuing Lender with respect to Letters of Credit issued and outstanding at such time, and (b) otherwise, an amount determined by the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Lender in their sole discretion.

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and any successor to such company.

“Multiemployer Plan” means a Pension Plan that is subject to the requirements of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

“Non-Consenting Lender” means that term as defined in Section 10.3(c) hereof.

“Note” means a Revolving Credit Note or the Swing Line Note, or any other promissory note delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

“Notice of Loan” means a Notice of Loan in the form of the attached Exhibit C.

“Obligations” means, collectively, (a) all Indebtedness and other obligations now owing or hereafter incurred by the Borrower or any other Credit Party to the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender, the Issuing Lender, or any Lender pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and includes the principal of and interest on all Loans, and all obligations of the Borrower or any other Credit Party pursuant to Letters of Credit; (b) each extension, renewal, consolidation or refinancing of any of the foregoing, in whole or in part; (c) the commitment and other fees, and any prepayment fees, payable pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (d) all fees and charges in connection with Letters of Credit; (e) every other liability, now or hereafter owing to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by any Company pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document; and (f) all Related Expenses.

“Organizational Documents” means, with respect to any Person (other than an individual), such Person’s Articles (Certificate) of Incorporation, operating agreement or equivalent formation documents, and Regulations (Bylaws), or equivalent governing documents, and any amendments to any of the foregoing.

“Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or from the execution, delivery, performance, or enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection

 

22


Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.6 hereof).

“Participant” means that term as defined in Section 10.11 hereof.

“Participant Register” means that term as defined in Section 10.11 hereof.

“Patriot Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, USA Patriot Act, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56, signed into law October 26, 2001, as amended from time to time.

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and its successor.

“Pension Plan” means an ERISA Plan that is a “pension plan” (within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(2)).

“Permitted Foreign Subsidiary Loans, Guaranties and Investments” means:

(a)         the investments by the Borrower or a Domestic Subsidiary in a Foreign Subsidiary, in such amounts existing as of the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 5.11 hereto;

(b)         the loans by the Borrower or a Domestic Subsidiary to a Foreign Subsidiary, in such amounts existing as of the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 5.11 hereto;

(c)         any investment by a Foreign Subsidiary in, or loan from a Foreign Subsidiary to, or guaranty from a Foreign Subsidiary of Indebtedness of, a Company; and

(d)         after the Closing Date, the loans by a Credit Party to, the investments by a Credit Party in, and the guaranties by a Credit Party of the Indebtedness of, Foreign Subsidiaries, up to the aggregate amount, for all such loans, investments and guaranties of Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000).

“Permitted Investment” means an investment of a Company, made after the Closing Date, in the stock (or other debt or equity instruments) of a Person (other than a Company), so long as (a) the Company making the investment is a Credit Party or a Foreign Subsidiary; and (b) the aggregate amount of all such investments of all Companies made after the Closing Date does not exceed, at any time, an aggregate amount (as determined when each such investment is made) of Seventy-Five Million Dollars ($75,000,000).

“Person” means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, unincorporated organization, corporation, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, institution, trust, estate, Governmental Authority or any other entity.

 

23


“Pledge Agreement” means each of the Pledge Agreements, relating to the Pledged Securities, executed and delivered by the Borrower or a Guarantor of Payment, as applicable, in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, dated on or after the Closing Date, as any of the foregoing may from time to time be amended, restated or otherwise modified.

“Pledged Securities” means (a) sixty-five percent (65%) of the total outstanding shares of voting capital stock or other voting equity interests of each existing or future first-tier Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower or a Domestic Subsidiary, and (b) one hundred percent (100%) of all non-voting shares of capital stock or other non-voting equity interests of each existing or future first-tier Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower or a Domestic Subsidiary. (Schedule 3 hereto lists, as of the Closing Date (or, if Schedule 3 has been amended, as of the date of such amendment) all of the Pledged Securities.)

“Pounds Sterling” means the lawful money of the United Kingdom.

“Prime Rate” means the interest rate established from time to time by the Administrative Agent as the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, whether or not such rate shall be publicly announced; the Prime Rate may not be the lowest interest rate charged by the Administrative Agent for commercial or other extensions of credit. Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective immediately from and after such change.

“Pro Forma Compliance Certificate” means, a certificate, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, of a Financial Officer that shows compliance with Section 5.7 hereof:

(a)         before giving effect to such Material Acquisition Event, calculated using the financial information in the most recently delivered Compliance Certificate, except with respect to (i) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness, which shall be calculated as of the date of the applicable Material Acquisition Event (prior to such Material Acquisition Event), and (ii) Consolidated EBITDA, which shall be calculated by combining (A) Consolidated EBITDA as reported on the most recently delivered Compliance Certificate, and (B) the “EBITDA” of each company (excluding the company to be acquired in connection with such Material Acquisition Event) acquired since the date of the last Compliance Certificate (with appropriate pro forma adjustments acceptable to the Administrative Agent and calculated on the same basis as set forth in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA) for the most recently completed four fiscal quarters (or such other period agreed to by the Administrative Agent); and

(b)         after giving pro forma effect to such Material Acquisition Event, calculated using the financial information in the most recently delivered Compliance Certificate, except with respect to (i) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness, which shall be calculated as of the date of the applicable Material Acquisition Event (as if such Material Acquisition Event had already occurred), and (ii) Consolidated EBITDA, which shall be calculated by combining (A) Consolidated EBITDA as reported on the most recently delivered Compliance Certificate, and (B) the “EBITDA” of each company (including the company to be acquired in connection with such Material Acquisition Event) acquired since the date of the last Compliance Certificate (with appropriate pro forma adjustments acceptable to the Administrative Agent and calculated on the

 

24


same basis as set forth in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA) for the most recently completed four fiscal quarters (or such other period agreed to by the Administrative Agent).

“PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.

“Recipient” means, as applicable, (a) the Administrative Agent, or (b) any Lender.

“Register” means that term as described in Section 10.10(i) hereof.

“Regularly Scheduled Payment Date” means the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year.

“Related Expenses” means any and all costs, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, losses, damages, penalties, claims, actions, attorneys’ fees, legal expenses, judgments, suits and disbursements) (a) incurred by the Administrative Agent, or imposed upon or asserted against the Administrative Agent or any Lender, in any attempt by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to (i) obtain, preserve, perfect or enforce any Loan Document or any security interest evidenced by any Loan Document; (ii) obtain payment, performance or observance of any and all of the Obligations; or (iii) after the occurrence of an Event of Default, maintain, insure, audit, collect, preserve, repossess or dispose of any of the collateral securing the Obligations or any part thereof, including, without limitation, costs and expenses for appraisals, assessments and audits of any Company or any such collateral; or (b) incidental or related to subpart (a) above, including, without limitation, interest thereupon from the date incurred, imposed or asserted until paid at the Default Rate.

“Related Writing” means each Loan Document and any other assignment, mortgage, security agreement, guaranty agreement, subordination agreement, financial statement, audit report or other writing furnished by any Credit Party, or any of its officers, to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders pursuant to or otherwise in connection with this Agreement.

“Reportable Event” means a reportable event as that term is defined in Title IV of ERISA, except actions of general applicability by the Secretary of Labor under Section 110 of such Act.

“Required Lenders” means the holders of more than fifty percent (50%), based upon each Lender’s Commitment Percentage, of an amount (the “Total Amount”) equal to (a) during the Commitment Period, the Total Commitment Amount, or (b) after the Commitment Period, the Revolving Credit Exposure; provided that (i) the portion of the Total Amount held or deemed to be held by any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders, and (ii) if there shall be two or more Lenders (that are not Defaulting Lenders), Required Lenders shall constitute at least two Lenders.

“Requirement of Law” means, as to any Person, any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination or policy statement or interpretation of an arbitrator or a court or other

 

25


Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property.

“Reserve Percentage” means, for any day, that percentage (expressed as a decimal) that is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, all basic, supplemental, marginal and other reserves and taking into account any transitional adjustments or other scheduled changes in reserve requirements) for a member bank of the Federal Reserve System in Cleveland, Ohio, in respect of Eurocurrency Liabilities. The Eurodollar Rate and the Alternate Currency Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the Reserve Percentage.

“Restricted Payment” means, with respect to any Company, (a) any Capital Distribution, (b) any amount paid by such Company in repayment, redemption, retirement or repurchase, directly or indirectly, of any Subordinated Indebtedness, or (c) any amount paid by such Company in respect of any management, consulting or other similar arrangement with any director or officer of a Company or an Affiliate in excess of the aggregate amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) in any fiscal year.

“Revolving Amount” means the Closing Revolving Amount, as such amount may be increased up to the Maximum Revolving Amount pursuant to Section 2.9(b) hereof, or decreased pursuant to Section 2.9(a) hereof.

“Revolving Credit Commitment” means the obligation hereunder, during the Commitment Period, of (a) the Lenders (and each Lender) to make Revolving Loans, (b) the Issuing Lender to issue, and each Lender to participate in, Letters of Credit pursuant to the Letter of Credit Commitment, and (c) the Swing Line Lender to make, and each Lender to participate in, Swing Loans pursuant to the Swing Line Commitment; up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time equal to the Revolving Amount.

“Revolving Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the Dollar Equivalent of the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of all Revolving Loans outstanding, (b) the Swing Line Exposure, and (c) the Letter of Credit Exposure.

“Revolving Credit Note” means a Revolving Credit Note, in the form of the attached Exhibit A, executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2.4(a) hereof.

“Revolving Loan” means a loan made to the Borrower by the Lenders in accordance with Section 2.2(a) hereof.

“Sanctions” means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the United States government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control or the United States Department of State or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom, or any other relevant sanctions authority established pursuant to United Nations Security Council resolution.

 

26


“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or any governmental body or agency succeeding to any of its principal functions.

“Shanghai Pintian” means Shanghai Pintian Information Technology Service Co. Ltd., a legal entity organized under the laws of China.

“Significant Acquisition” means an Acquisition or a related series of Acquisitions in which the aggregate Consideration paid or to be payable for such Acquisition or series of Acquisitions exceeds Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000).

“Solvent” means, with respect to any Person, that (a) the fair value of such Person’s assets is in excess of the total amount of such Person’s debts, as determined in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code, (b) the present fair saleable value of such Person’s assets is in excess of the amount that will be required to pay such Person’s debts as such debts become absolute and matured, (c) such Person is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts and other liabilities as such liabilities mature in the normal course of business, (d) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond its ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature, and (e) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which its property would constitute an unreasonably small amount of capital. As used in this definition, the term “debts” includes any legal liability, whether matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, absolute, fixed or contingent, as determined in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code.

“Standard & Poor’s” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and any successor to such company.

“Subordinated Indebtedness” means Indebtedness that shall have been subordinated (by written terms or written agreement being, in either case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders) in favor of the prior payment in full of the Obligations.

“Subsidiary” means (a) a corporation more than fifty percent (50%) of the Voting Power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Borrower or by one or more other subsidiaries of the Borrower or by the Borrower and one or more subsidiaries of the Borrower, (b) a partnership, limited liability company or unlimited liability company of which the Borrower, one or more other subsidiaries of the Borrower or the Borrower and one or more subsidiaries of the Borrower, directly or indirectly, is a general partner or managing member, as the case may be, or otherwise has an ownership interest greater than fifty percent (50%) of all of the ownership interests in such partnership, limited liability company or unlimited liability company, or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or unlimited liability company) in which the Borrower, one or more other subsidiaries of the Borrower or the Borrower and one or more subsidiaries of the Borrower, directly or indirectly, has at least a majority interest in the Voting Power or the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of directors or other governing body of such Person.

 

27


“Suzhou Pin” means Suzhou Pin Zhou Information Technology Service Co. Ltd., a legal entity organized under the laws of China.

“Swing Line Commitment” means the commitment of the Swing Line Lender to make Swing Loans to the Borrower up to the aggregate amount at any time outstanding of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000).

“Swing Line Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swing Loans outstanding.

“Swing Line Lender” means KeyBank, as holder of the Swing Line Commitment.

“Swing Line Note” means the Swing Line Note, in the form of the attached Exhibit B executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2.4(b) hereof.

“Swing Loan” means a loan that shall be denominated in Dollars made to the Borrower by the Swing Line Lender under the Swing Line Commitment, in accordance with Section 2.2(c) hereof.

“Swing Loan Maturity Date” means, with respect to any Swing Loan, the earliest of (a) demand by the Swing Line Lender, (b) fifteen (15) days after the date such Swing Loan is made, or (c) the last day of the Commitment Period.

“Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

“Total Commitment Amount” means the principal amount of Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500,000,000), as such amount may be increased pursuant to Section 2.9(b) hereof, or decreased pursuant to Section 2.9(a) hereof.

“U.C.C. Financing Statement” means a financing statement filed or to be filed in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time, in the relevant state or states.

“United States” means the United States of America.

“Voting Power” means, with respect to any Person, the exclusive ability to control, through the ownership of shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests or otherwise, the election of members of the board of directors or other similar governing body of such Person. The holding of a designated percentage of Voting Power of a Person means the ownership of shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other interests of such Person sufficient to control exclusively the election of that percentage of the members of the board of directors or similar governing body of such Person.

 

28


“Welfare Plan” means an ERISA Plan that is a “welfare plan” within the meaning of ERISA Section 3(l).

“Withholding Agent” means any Credit Party or the Administrative Agent.

“Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

Section 1.2. Accounting Terms.

(a)         Any accounting term not specifically defined in this Article I shall have the meaning ascribed thereto by GAAP. In the event that any “Accounting Change” (as defined below) shall occur and such change results in a change in the method of calculation of financial covenants, standards or terms in this Agreement, then the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders agree to enter into negotiations in order to amend such provisions of this Agreement so as to equitably reflect such Accounting Changes with the desired result that the criteria for evaluating the financial condition of the Borrower shall be the same after such Accounting Changes as if such Accounting Changes had not been made. Until such time as such an amendment shall have been executed and delivered by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, all financial covenants, standards and terms in this Agreement shall continue to be calculated and construed as if such Accounting Changes had not occurred. “Accounting Changes” refers to changes in accounting principles required by the promulgation of any rule, regulation, pronouncement or opinion by the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or, if applicable, the SEC (or successors thereto or agencies with similar functions).

(b)         Notwithstanding any provisions contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation, any of the negative covenants, financial covenants and component definitions contained herein) or any of the other Loan Documents to the contrary, GAAP will be deemed to treat operating leases and capital leases in a manner consistent with their treatment under GAAP as in effect on December 1, 2018, notwithstanding any modifications or interpretive changes thereto that may occur thereafter.

Section 1.3. Terms Generally. The foregoing definitions shall be applicable to the singular and plural forms of the foregoing defined terms.

Section 1.4. Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its equity interests at such time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 1.4 is intended to, and shall in no event be deemed to apply to, impose

 

29


any treatment or impact in any way, the tax treatment of any division or resulting from the implementation of any plan of division by or involving any Person.

ARTICLE II. AMOUNT AND TERMS OF CREDIT

Section 2.1. Amount and Nature of Credit.

(a)       Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders, during the Commitment Period and to the extent hereinafter provided, shall make Loans to the Borrower, participate in Swing Loans made by the Swing Line Lender to the Borrower, and issue or participate in Letters of Credit at the request of the Borrower, in such aggregate amount as the Borrower shall request pursuant to the Commitment; provided that in no event shall the aggregate principal amount of all Loans and Letters of Credit outstanding under this Agreement be in excess of the Total Commitment Amount.

(b)       Each Lender, for itself and not one for any other, agrees to make Loans, participate in Swing Loans, and issue or participate in Letters of Credit, during the Commitment Period, on such basis that, immediately after the completion of any borrowing by the Borrower or the issuance of a Letter of Credit:

(i)       the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Loans made by such Lender (other than Swing Loans made by the Swing Line Lender), when combined with such Lender’s pro rata share, if any, of the Letter of Credit Exposure and the Swing Line Exposure, shall not be in excess of the Maximum Amount for such Lender; and

(ii)       the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Loans (other than Swing Loans) made by such Lender shall represent that percentage of the aggregate principal amount then outstanding on all Loans (other than Swing Loans) that shall be such Lender’s Commitment Percentage.

Each borrowing (other than Swing Loans which shall be risk participated on a pro rata basis) from the Lenders shall be made pro rata according to the respective Commitment Percentages of the Lenders.

(c)       The Loans may be made as Revolving Loans as described in Section 2.2(a) hereof, as Swing Loans as described in Section 2.2(c) hereof, and Letters of Credit may be issued in accordance with Section 2.2(b) hereof.

Section 2.2. Revolving Credit Commitment.

(a)       Revolving Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the Commitment Period, the Lenders shall make a Revolving Loan or Revolving Loans to the Borrower in such amount or amounts as the Borrower, through an Authorized Officer, may from time to time request, but not exceeding in aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding

 

30


hereunder the Revolving Credit Commitment, when such Revolving Loans are combined with the Letter of Credit Exposure and the Swing Line Exposure; provided that the Borrower shall not request any Alternate Currency Loan (and the Lenders shall not be obligated to make an Alternate Currency Loan) if, after giving effect thereto, the Alternate Currency Exposure would exceed the Alternate Currency Maximum Amount. The Borrower shall have the option, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, to borrow Revolving Loans, maturing on the last day of the Commitment Period, by means of any combination of Base Rate Loans, Eurodollar Loans or Alternate Currency Loans. With respect to each Alternate Currency Loan, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower shall receive all of the proceeds of such Alternate Currency Loan in one Alternate Currency and repay such Alternate Currency Loan in the same Alternate Currency. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower shall be entitled under this Section 2.2(a) to borrow Revolving Loans, repay the same in whole or in part and re-borrow Revolving Loans hereunder at any time and from time to time during the Commitment Period. The aggregate outstanding amount of all Revolving Loans shall be payable in full on the last day of the Commitment Period.

(b)       Letters of Credit.

(i)       Generally. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the Commitment Period, the Issuing Lender shall, in its own name, on behalf of the Lenders, issue such Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or a Guarantor of Payment, as the Borrower may from time to time request. The Borrower shall not request any Letter of Credit (and the Issuing Lender shall not be obligated to issue any Letter of Credit) if, after giving effect thereto, (A) the Letter of Credit Exposure would exceed the Letter of Credit Commitment, (B) the Revolving Credit Exposure would exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment, or (C) with respect to a request for a Letter of Credit to be issued in an Alternate Currency, the Alternate Currency Exposure would exceed the Alternate Currency Maximum Amount. The issuance of each Letter of Credit shall confer upon each Lender the benefits and liabilities of a participation consisting of an undivided pro rata interest in the Letter of Credit to the extent of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage.

(ii)       Request for Letter of Credit. Each request for a Letter of Credit shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent (and to the Issuing Lender, if the Issuing Lender is a Lender other than the Administrative Agent) by an Authorized Officer not later than 11:00 A.M. (Eastern time) three Business Days prior to the date of the proposed issuance of the Letter of Credit. Each such request shall be in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent (and the Issuing Lender, if the Issuing Lender is a Lender other than the Administrative Agent) and shall specify the face amount thereof, the account party, the beneficiary, the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, the expiry date thereof, the Alternate Currency if a Letter of Credit denominated in an Alternate Currency is requested, and the nature of the transaction or obligation to be supported thereby. Concurrently with each such request, the Borrower, and any Guarantor of Payment for whose account the Letter of Credit is to be issued, shall execute and deliver to the Issuing Lender an appropriate application and agreement, being in the standard form of the Issuing Lender for such letters of credit, as amended to conform to

 

31


the provisions of this Agreement if required by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall give the Issuing Lender and each Lender notice of each such request for a Letter of Credit.

(iii)     Letters of Credit Fees. With respect to each Letter of Credit and the drafts thereunder, if any, whether issued for the account of the Borrower or a Guarantor of Payment, the Borrower agrees to (A) pay to the Administrative Agent, for the pro rata benefit of the Lenders, a non-refundable commission based upon the face amount of such Letter of Credit, which shall be paid quarterly in arrears, on each Regularly Scheduled Payment Date, in an amount equal to the aggregate sum of the Letter of Credit Fee for such Letter of Credit for each day of such quarter; (B) pay to the Administrative Agent, for the sole benefit of the Issuing Lender, an additional Letter of Credit fee, which shall be paid on each date that such Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended or renewed at the rate of one-quarter percent (1/4%) of the face amount of such Letter of Credit; and (C) pay to the Administrative Agent, for the sole benefit of the Issuing Lender, such other issuance, amendment, renewal, negotiation, draw, acceptance, telex, courier, postage and similar transactional fees as are customarily charged by the Issuing Lender in respect of the issuance and administration of similar letters of credit under its fee schedule as in effect from time to time.

(iv)     Refunding of Letters of Credit with Revolving Loans. Whenever a Letter of Credit shall be drawn, the Borrower shall immediately reimburse the Issuing Lender for the amount drawn. In the event that the amount drawn shall not have been reimbursed by the Borrower on the date of the drawing of such Letter of Credit, at the sole option of the Administrative Agent (and the Issuing Lender, if the Issuing Lender is a Lender other than the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Revolving Loan, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.2(a) and 2.5 hereof (other than the requirement set forth in Section 2.5(d) hereof), in the amount drawn. Such Revolving Loan shall be evidenced by the Revolving Credit Notes (or, if a Lender has not requested a Revolving Credit Note, by the records of the Administrative Agent and such Lender). Each Lender agrees to make a Revolving Loan on the date of such notice, subject to no conditions precedent whatsoever. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to make a Revolving Loan pursuant to Section 2.2(a) hereof when required by this Section 2.2(b)(iv) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including, without limitation, the occurrence and continuance of a Default or Event of Default, and that its payment to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Lender, of the proceeds of such Revolving Loan shall be made without any offset, abatement, recoupment, counterclaim, withholding or reduction whatsoever and whether or not the Revolving Credit Commitment shall have been reduced or terminated. The Borrower irrevocably authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to apply the proceeds of any borrowing pursuant to this Section 2.2(b)(iv) to reimburse, in full (other than the Issuing Lender’s pro rata share of such borrowing), the Issuing Lender for the amount drawn on such Letter of Credit. Each such Revolving Loan shall be deemed to be a Base Rate Loan unless otherwise requested by and available to the Borrower hereunder. Each Lender is hereby authorized to record on its records relating to its Revolving Credit Note (or, if

 

32


such Lender has not requested a Revolving Credit Note, its records relating to Revolving Loans) such Lender’s pro rata share of the amounts paid and not reimbursed on the Letters of Credit.

(v)       Participation in Letters of Credit. If, for any reason, the Administrative Agent (and the Issuing Lender if the Issuing Lender is a Lender other than the Administrative Agent) shall be unable to or, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, it shall be impracticable to, convert any amount drawn under a Letter of Credit to a Revolving Loan pursuant to the preceding subsection, or if the amount not reimbursed is a Letter of Credit drawn in an Alternate Currency, the Administrative Agent (and the Issuing Lender if the Issuing Lender is a Lender other than the Administrative Agent) shall have the right to request that each Lender fund a participation in the amount due (or the Dollar Equivalent with respect to a Letter of Credit in an Alternate Currency) with respect to such Letter of Credit, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender thereof (by facsimile or email (confirmed by telephone) or telephone (confirmed in writing)). Upon such notice, but without further action, the Issuing Lender hereby agrees to grant to each Lender, and each Lender hereby agrees to acquire from the Issuing Lender, an undivided participation interest in the amount due with respect to such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the principal amount due with respect to such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided above, to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Lender, such Lender’s ratable share of the amount due with respect to such Letter of Credit (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Commitment Percentage). Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in the amount due under any Letter of Credit that is drawn but not reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant to this subsection (v) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including, without limitation, the occurrence and continuance of a Default or Event of Default, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, recoupment, counterclaim, withholding or reduction whatsoever and whether or not the Revolving Credit Commitment shall have been reduced or terminated. Each Lender shall comply with its obligation under this subsection (v) by wire transfer of immediately available funds (in Dollars, and in the case of a Letter of Credit issued and drawn in an Alternate Currency, the Dollar Equivalent for amounts drawn in such Alternate Currency), in the same manner as provided in Section 2.5 hereof with respect to Revolving Loans. Each Lender is hereby authorized to record on its records such Lender’s pro rata share of the amounts paid and not reimbursed on the Letters of Credit.

(c)       Swing Loans.

(i)       Generally. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the Commitment Period, the Swing Line Lender shall make a Swing Loan or Swing Loans to the Borrower in such amount or amounts as the Borrower, through an Authorized Officer, may from time to time request; provided that the Borrower shall not request any Swing Loan if, after giving effect thereto, (A) the Revolving Credit Exposure

 

33


would exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment, or (B) the Swing Line Exposure would exceed the Swing Line Commitment. Each Swing Loan shall be due and payable on the Swing Loan Maturity Date applicable thereto. Each Swing Loan shall be made in Dollars.

(ii)       Refunding of Swing Loans. If the Swing Line Lender so elects, by giving notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, the Borrower agrees that the Swing Line Lender shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to require that the then outstanding Swing Loans be refinanced as a Revolving Loan. Such Revolving Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan unless otherwise requested by and available to the Borrower hereunder. Upon receipt of such notice by the Borrower and the Lenders, the Borrower shall be deemed, on such day, to have requested a Revolving Loan in the principal amount of such Swing Loan in accordance with Sections 2.2(a) and 2.5 hereof (other than the requirement set forth in Section 2.5(d) hereof). Such Revolving Loan shall be evidenced by the Revolving Credit Notes (or, if a Lender has not requested a Revolving Credit Note, by the records of the Administrative Agent and such Lender). Each Lender agrees to make a Revolving Loan on the date of such notice, subject to no conditions precedent whatsoever. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that such Lender’s obligation to make a Revolving Loan pursuant to Section 2.2(a) hereof when required by this Section 2.2(c)(ii) is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including, without limitation, the occurrence and continuance of a Default or Event of Default, and that its payment to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swing Line Lender, of the proceeds of such Revolving Loan shall be made without any offset, abatement, recoupment, counterclaim, withholding or reduction whatsoever and whether or not the Revolving Credit Commitment shall have been reduced or terminated. The Borrower irrevocably authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to apply the proceeds of any borrowing pursuant to this Section 2.2(c)(ii) to repay in full such Swing Loan. Each Lender is hereby authorized to record on its records relating to its Revolving Credit Note (or, if such Lender has not requested a Revolving Credit Note, its records relating to Revolving Loans) such Lender’s pro rata share of the amounts paid to refund such Swing Loan.

(iii)     Participation in Swing Loans. If, for any reason, the Swing Line Lender is unable to or, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, it is impracticable to, convert any Swing Loan to a Revolving Loan pursuant to the preceding Section 2.2(c)(ii), then on any day that a Swing Loan is outstanding (whether before or after the maturity thereof), the Administrative Agent shall have the right to request that each Lender fund a participation in such Swing Loan, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender thereof (by facsimile or email (confirmed by telephone), or telephone (confirmed in writing)). Upon such notice, but without further action, the Swing Line Lender hereby agrees to grant to each Lender, and each Lender hereby agrees to acquire from the Swing Line Lender, an undivided participation interest in the right to share in the payment of such Swing Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the principal amount of such Swing Loan. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided above, to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the

 

34


benefit of the Swing Line Lender, such Lender’s ratable share of such Swing Loan (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Commitment Percentage). Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swing Loans pursuant to this Section 2.2(c)(iii) is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including, without limitation, the occurrence and continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, recoupment, counterclaim, withholding or reduction whatsoever and whether or not the Revolving Credit Commitment shall have been reduced or terminated. Each Lender shall comply with its obligation under this Section 2.2(c)(iii) by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.5 hereof with respect to Revolving Loans to be made by such Lender.

Section 2.3. Interest.

(a)       Revolving Loans.

(i)       Base Rate Loan. The Borrower shall pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of a Base Rate Loan outstanding from time to time from the date thereof until paid at the Derived Base Rate from time to time in effect. Interest on such Base Rate Loan shall be payable, commencing March 31, 2019, and continuing on each Regularly Scheduled Payment Date thereafter and at the maturity thereof.

(ii)       Eurodollar Loans. The Borrower shall pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Loan outstanding from time to time, with the interest rate to be fixed in advance on the first day of the Interest Period applicable thereto through the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (but subject to changes in the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans), at the Derived Eurodollar Rate. Interest on such Eurodollar Loan shall be payable on each Interest Adjustment Date with respect to an Interest Period (provided that, if an Interest Period shall exceed three months, the interest must also be paid every three months, commencing three months from the beginning of such Interest Period).

(iii)     Alternate Currency Loans. The Borrower shall pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Alternate Currency Loan outstanding from time to time, with the interest rate to be fixed in advance on the first day of the Interest Period applicable thereto through the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (but subject to changes in the Applicable Margin for Alternate Currency Loans), at the Derived Alternate Currency Rate. Interest on such Alternate Currency Loan shall be payable on each Interest Adjustment Date with respect to an Interest Period (provided that, if an Interest Period shall exceed three months, the interest must also be paid every three months, commencing three months from the beginning of such Interest Period).

(b)       Swing Loans. The Borrower shall pay interest to the Administrative Agent, for the sole benefit of the Swing Line Lender (and any Lender that shall have funded a participation in such Swing Loan), on the unpaid principal amount of each Swing Loan outstanding from time

 

35


to time from the date thereof until paid at the Derived Base Rate from time to time in effect. Interest on each Swing Loan shall be payable on the Swing Loan Maturity Date applicable thereto. Each Swing Loan shall bear interest for a minimum of one day.

(c)       Default Rate. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if an Event of Default shall occur, upon the election of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (i) the principal of each Loan and the unpaid interest thereon shall bear interest, until paid, at the Default Rate, (ii) the fee for the aggregate undrawn amount of all issued and outstanding Letters of Credit shall be increased by two percent (2%) in excess of the rate otherwise applicable thereto, and (iii) in the case of any other amount not paid when due from the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document, such amount shall bear interest at the Default Rate; provided that, during an Event of Default under Section 7.11 hereof, the applicable Default Rate shall apply without any election or action on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

(d)       Limitation on Interest. In no event shall the rate of interest hereunder exceed the maximum rate allowable by law.

Section 2.4. Evidence of Indebtedness.

(a)       Revolving Loans. Upon the request of a Lender, to evidence the obligation of the Borrower to repay the portion of the Loans made by such Lender and to pay interest thereon, the Borrower shall execute a Revolving Credit Note, payable to the order of such Lender in the principal amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Amount, or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Revolving Loans made by such Lender; provided that the failure of a Lender to request a Revolving Credit Note shall in no way detract from the Borrower’s obligations to such Lender hereunder.

(b)       Swing Loans. Upon the request of the Swing Line Lender, to evidence the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Swing Loans and to pay interest thereon, the Borrower shall execute a Swing Line Note, payable to the order of the Swing Line Lender in the principal amount of the Swing Line Commitment, or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Swing Loans made by the Swing Line Lender; provided that the failure of the Swing Line Lender to request a Swing Line Note shall in no way detract from the Borrower’s obligations to the Swing Line Lender hereunder.

Section 2.5. Notice of Loans and Credit Events; Funding of Loans.

(a)       Notice of Loans and Credit Events. The Borrower, through an Authorized Officer, shall provide to the Administrative Agent a Notice of Loan prior to (i) 11:00 A.M. (Eastern time) on the proposed date of borrowing of, or conversion of a Loan to, a Base Rate Loan, (ii) 11:00 A.M. (Eastern time) three Business Days prior to the proposed date of (A) borrowing of a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan, and (B) continuation of, or conversion of a Loan to, a Eurodollar Loan, and (iii) 2:00 P.M. (Eastern time) on the proposed date of borrowing of a Swing Loan, or such later time to which the Swing Line Lender may agree; provided that (1) on the Closing Date, the Borrower may deliver to the Administrative Agent a Notice of Loan for the borrowing of a Base Rate Loan as late as 1:00 P.M. (Eastern time), and (2) an Authorized Officer

 

36


of the Borrower may verbally request a Loan, so long as a Notice of Loan is received by the end of the same Business Day, and, if the Administrative Agent or any Lender provides funds or initiates funding based upon such verbal request, the Borrower shall bear the risk with respect to any information regarding such funding that is later determined to have been incorrect. The Borrower shall comply with the notice provisions set forth in Section 2.2(b) hereof with respect to Letters of Credit.

(b)       Funding of Loans. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of the date, amount, type of currency and Interest Period (if applicable) promptly upon the receipt of a Notice of Loan (other than for a Swing Loan, or a Revolving Loan to be funded as a Swing Loan), and, in any event, by 1:00 P.M. (Eastern time) on the date such Notice of Loan is received. On the date that the Credit Event set forth in such Notice of Loan is to occur, each such Lender shall provide to the Administrative Agent, not later than 3:00 P.M. (Eastern time) (or, on the Closing Date (i) not later than 12:00 P.M. (Eastern time), so long as the Administrative Agent has notified the Lenders of the terms of such Credit Event by 11:00 A.M. (Eastern time) on the Closing Date, or (ii) not later than 1:00 P.M. (Eastern time), so long as the Administrative Agent has notified the Lenders of the terms of such Credit Event by 12:00 P.M. (Eastern time) on the Closing Date), the amount in Dollars, or, with respect to an Alternate Currency, in the applicable Alternate Currency, in federal or other immediately available funds, required of it. If the Administrative Agent shall elect to advance the proceeds of such Loan prior to receiving funds from such Lender, the Administrative Agent shall have the right, upon prior notice to the Borrower, to debit any account of the Borrower or otherwise receive such amount from the Borrower, promptly after demand, in the event that such Lender shall fail to reimburse the Administrative Agent in accordance with this subsection. The Administrative Agent shall also have the right to receive interest from such Lender at the Federal Funds Effective Rate in the event that such Lender shall fail to provide its portion of the Loan on the date requested and the Administrative Agent shall elect to provide such funds.

(c)       Conversion and Continuation of Loans.

(i)       At the request of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, subject to the notice and other provisions of this Agreement, the Lenders shall convert a Base Rate Loan to one or more Eurodollar Loans at any time and shall convert a Eurodollar Loan to a Base Rate Loan on any Interest Adjustment Date applicable thereto. Swing Loans may be converted by the Swing Line Lender to Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.2(c)(ii) hereof. No Alternate Currency Loan may be converted to a Base Rate Loan or Eurodollar Loan and no Base Rate Loan or Eurodollar Loan may be converted to an Alternate Currency Loan.

(ii)       At the request of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, subject to the notice and other provisions of this Agreement, the Lenders shall continue one or more Eurodollar Loans as of the end of the applicable Interest Period as a new Eurodollar Loan with a new Interest Period.

(d)       Minimum Amount for Loans. Each request for:

 

37


(i)       a Base Rate Loan shall be in an amount of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000), increased by increments of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000);

(ii)       a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan shall be in an amount (or, with respect to an Alternate Currency Loan, such approximately comparable amount as shall result in an amount rounded to the nearest whole number) of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000), increased by increments of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) (or, with respect to an Alternate Currency Loan, such approximately comparable amount as shall result in an amount rounded to the nearest whole number); and

(iii)     a Swing Loan shall be in an amount of not less than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000).

(e)       Interest Periods. The Borrower shall not request that LIBOR Fixed Rate Loans be outstanding for more than nine different Interest Periods at the same time.

(f)       Advancing of Non Pro-Rata Revolving Loans. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Borrower requests a Revolving Loan pursuant to Section 2.5(a) hereof (and all conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.1 hereof are met) at a time when one or more Lenders are Defaulting Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall have the option, in its discretion, and shall exercise such option if requested by the Borrower after the Borrower’s consultation with the Administrative Agent, to require the non-Defaulting Lenders to honor such request by making a non pro-rata Revolving Loan to the Borrower in an amount equal to (i) the amount requested by the Borrower, minus (ii) the portions of such Revolving Loan that should have been made by such Defaulting Lenders. For purposes of such Revolving Loans, the Lenders that are making such Revolving Loan shall do so in an amount equal to their respective Commitment Percentages of the amount requested by the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event shall the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Loans made by a Lender (other than Swing Loans made by the Swing Line Lender), when combined with such Lender’s pro rata share, if any, of the Letter of Credit Exposure and the Swing Line Exposure, be in excess of the Maximum Amount for such Lender.

Section 2.6. Payment on Loans and Other Obligations.

(a)       Payments Generally. Each payment made hereunder by a Credit Party shall be made without any offset, abatement, recoupment, counterclaim, withholding or reduction whatsoever.

(b)       Payments in Alternate Currency. With respect to any Alternate Currency Loan, all payments (including prepayments) to any Lender of the principal of or interest on such Alternate Currency Loan shall be made in the same Alternate Currency as the original Loan. For clarification, the amount outstanding on any Alternate Currency Loan for purposes of repayment on the last day of the applicable Interest Period shall be measured in the Alternate Currency and not by the Dollar Equivalent of such amount. With respect to any Letter of Credit issued in an

 

38


Alternate Currency, all payments to the Issuing Lender (and to any Lender that shall have funded its participation in such Letter of Credit) shall be made in the Dollar Equivalent (as determined on the date of drawing of such Letter of Credit) of the amount of such Alternate Currency Letter of Credit. All such payments shall be remitted by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, at the address of the Administrative Agent for notices referred to in Section 10.4 hereof (or at such other office or account as designated in writing by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower), for the account of the Lenders (or the Issuing Lender or the Swing Line Lender, as appropriate) not later than 11:00 A.M. (Eastern time) on the due date thereof in same day funds. Any such payments received by the Administrative Agent after 11:00 A.M. (Eastern time) shall be deemed to have been made and received on the next Business Day.

(c)       Payments in Dollars from Borrower. With respect to (i) any Loan (other than an Alternate Currency Loan), or (ii) any other payment to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that shall not be covered by subsection (b) above, all such payments (including prepayments) to the Administrative Agent of the principal of or interest on such Loan or other payment, including but not limited to principal, interest, fees or any other amount owed by the Borrower under this Agreement, shall be made in Dollars. All payments described in this subsection (c) shall be remitted to the Administrative Agent, at the address of the Administrative Agent for notices referred to in Section 10.4 hereof for the account of the Lenders (or the Issuing Lender or the Swing Line Lender, as appropriate) not later than 11:00 A.M. (Eastern time) on the due date thereof in immediately available funds. Any such payments received by the Administrative Agent (or the Issuing Lender or the Swing Line Lender) after 11:00 A.M. (Eastern time) shall be deemed to have been made and received on the next Business Day.

(d)       Payments to Lenders. Upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt of payments hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall immediately distribute to the Lenders (except with respect to Swing Loans, which shall be paid to the Swing Line Lender and any Lender that has funded a participation in the Swing Loans, or, with respect to Letters of Credit, certain of which payments shall be paid to the Issuing Lender) their respective ratable shares, if any, of the amount of principal, interest, and commitment and other fees received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender. Payments received by the Administrative Agent in Dollars shall be delivered to the Lenders in Dollars in immediately available funds. Payments received by the Administrative Agent in any Alternate Currency shall be delivered to the Lenders in such Alternate Currency in same day funds. Each Lender shall record any principal, interest or other payment, the principal amounts of Base Rate Loans, LIBOR Fixed Rate Loans and Swing Loans, the type of currency for each Loan, all prepayments and the applicable dates, including Interest Periods, with respect to the Loans made, and payments received by such Lender, by such method as such Lender may generally employ; provided that failure to make any such entry shall in no way detract from the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement or any Note. The aggregate unpaid amount of Loans, types of Loans, Interest Periods and similar information with respect to the Loans and Letters of Credit set forth on the records of the Administrative Agent shall be rebuttably presumptive evidence with respect to such information, including the amounts of principal, interest and fees owing to each Lender.

(e)       Timing of Payments. Whenever any payment to be made hereunder, including, without limitation, any payment to be made on any Loan, shall be stated to be due on a day that

 

39


is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next Business Day and such extension of time shall in each case be included in the computation of the interest payable on such Loan; provided that, with respect to a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan, if the next Business Day shall fall in the succeeding calendar month, such payment shall be made on the preceding Business Day and the relevant Interest Period shall be adjusted accordingly.

Section 2.7. Prepayment.

(a)       Right to Prepay.

(i)       The Borrower shall have the right at any time or from time to time to prepay, on a pro rata basis for all of the Lenders (except with respect to Swing Loans, which shall be paid to the Swing Line Lender and any Lender that has funded a participation in such Swing Loan), all or any part of the principal amount of the Loans then outstanding, as designated by the Borrower. Such payment shall include interest accrued on the amount so prepaid to the date of such prepayment and any amount payable under Article III hereof with respect to the amount being prepaid. Prepayments of Base Rate Loans shall be without any premium or penalty.

(ii)       The Borrower shall have the right, at any time or from time to time, to prepay, for the benefit of the Swing Line Lender (and any Lender that has funded a participation in such Swing Loan), all or any part of the principal amount of the Swing Loans then outstanding, as designated by the Borrower, plus interest accrued on the amount so prepaid to the date of such prepayment.

(iii)     Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.7 or otherwise to the contrary, at the discretion of the Administrative Agent, in order to prepay Revolving Loans that were not advanced pro rata by all of the Lenders, any prepayment of a Loan shall first be applied to Revolving Loans made by the Lenders during any period in which a Defaulting Lender shall exist (to be applied pro rata among the Lenders that made such Revolving Loans during such period).

(b)       Notice of Prepayment. The Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent irrevocable written notice of prepayment of (i) a Base Rate Loan or Swing Loan by no later than 11:00 A.M. (Eastern time) on the Business Day on which such prepayment is to be made, and (ii) a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan by no later than 1:00 P.M. (Eastern time) three Business Days before the Business Day on which such prepayment is to be made.

(c)       Minimum Amount. Each prepayment of a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan shall be in the principal amount of not less than the lesser of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000), or the principal amount of such Loan (or, with respect to an Alternate Currency Loan, the Dollar Equivalent (rounded to a comparable amount) of such amount), or, with respect to a Swing Loan, the principal balance of such Swing Loan, except in the case of a mandatory payment pursuant to Section 2.11(b) or Article III hereof.

 

40


Section 2.8. Commitment and Other Fees.

(a)       Commitment Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable account of the Lenders, as a consideration for the Revolving Credit Commitment, a commitment fee, for each day from the Closing Date through the last day of the Commitment Period, in an amount equal to (i) (A) the Revolving Amount at the end of such day, minus (B) the Revolving Credit Exposure (exclusive of the Swing Line Exposure) at the end of such day, multiplied by (ii) the Applicable Commitment Fee Rate in effect on such day divided by three hundred sixty (360). The commitment fee shall be payable quarterly in arrears, commencing on March 31, 2019 and continuing on each Regularly Scheduled Payment Date thereafter, and on the last day of the Commitment Period.

(b)       Administrative Agent Fee. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for its sole benefit, the fees set forth in the Administrative Agent Fee Letter.

Section 2.9. Modifications to Commitment.

(a)       Optional Reduction of Revolving Credit Commitment. The Borrower may at any time and from time to time permanently reduce in whole or ratably in part the Revolving Amount to an amount not less than the then existing Revolving Credit Exposure, by giving the Administrative Agent not fewer than three Business Days’ written notice of such reduction, provided that any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount, for all of the Lenders, of not less than Two Million Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500,000), increased in increments of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000). The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the date of each such reduction and such Lender’s proportionate share thereof. After each such partial reduction, the commitment fees payable hereunder shall be calculated upon the Revolving Amount as so reduced. If the Borrower reduces in whole the Revolving Credit Commitment, on the effective date of such reduction (the Borrower having prepaid in full the unpaid principal balance, if any, of the Loans, together with all interest (if any) and commitment and other fees accrued and unpaid with respect thereto, and all other Obligations, and provided that no Letter of Credit Exposure or Swing Line Exposure shall exist), all of the Revolving Credit Notes shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent marked “Canceled” and the Administrative Agent shall redeliver such Revolving Credit Notes to the Borrower. Any partial reduction in the Revolving Amount shall be effective during the remainder of the Commitment Period. Upon each decrease of the Revolving Amount, the Maximum Revolving Amount and the Total Commitment Amount shall be decreased by the same amount.

(b)       Increase in Commitment.

(i)       At any time during the Commitment Increase Period, the Borrower may request that the Administrative Agent increase the Revolving Amount from the Closing Revolving Amount up to an amount that shall not exceed the Maximum Revolving Amount. Each such request for an increase shall be in an amount of at least Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), increased by increments of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), and may be made by either (A) increasing, for one or more Lenders, with their prior written consent, their respective Revolving Credit Commitments, or (B) including one or more

 

41


Additional Lenders, each with a new commitment under the Revolving Credit Commitment, as a party to this Agreement (each an “Additional Commitment” and, collectively, the “Additional Commitments”); provided that one or more existing Lenders shall be given the first opportunity to provide Additional Commitments.

(ii)       During the Commitment Increase Period, all of the Lenders agree that the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, may permit one or more Additional Commitments upon satisfaction of the following requirements: (A) each Additional Lender, if any, shall execute an Additional Lender Assumption Agreement, (B) the Administrative Agent shall provide to the Borrower and each Lender a revised Register, including revised Commitment Percentages for each of the Lenders, if appropriate, at least three Business Days prior to the date of the effectiveness of such Additional Commitments (each an “Additional Lender Assumption Effective Date”), and (C) the Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders such replacement or additional Revolving Credit Notes as shall be required by the Administrative Agent (and requested by the Lenders). The Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to execute each Additional Lender Assumption Agreement on behalf of the Lenders.

(iii)     On each Additional Lender Assumption Effective Date, the Lenders shall make adjustments among themselves with respect to the Revolving Loans then outstanding and amounts of principal, interest, commitment fees and other amounts paid or payable with respect thereto as shall be necessary, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, in order to reallocate among such Lenders such outstanding amounts, based on the revised Commitment Percentages and to otherwise carry out fully the intent and terms of this Section 2.9(b) (and the Borrower shall pay to the Lenders any amounts that would be payable pursuant to Section 3.3 hereof if such adjustments among the Lenders would cause a prepayment of one or more LIBOR Fixed Rate Loans). In connection therewith, it is understood and agreed that the Maximum Amount of any Lender will not be increased (or decreased except pursuant to subsection (a) above) without the prior written consent of such Lender. The Borrower shall not request any increase in the Revolving Amount pursuant to this subsection (b) if a Default or an Event of Default shall then exist, or, after giving pro forma effect to any such increase (including a pro forma calculation of the financial covenants set forth in Section 5.7 hereof), would exist. Upon each increase of the Revolving Amount, the Total Commitment Amount shall be increased by the same amount.

Section 2.10. Computation of Interest and Fees. With the exception of Base Rate Loans, interest on Loans, Letter of Credit fees, Related Expenses and commitment and other fees and charges hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year having three hundred sixty (360) days and calculated for the actual number of days elapsed. With respect to Base Rate Loans, interest shall be computed on the basis of a year having three hundred sixty-five (365) days or three hundred sixty-six (366) days, as the case may be, and calculated for the actual number of days elapsed.

Section 2.11. Mandatory Payments.

 

42


(a)       Revolving Credit Exposure. If, at any time, the Revolving Credit Exposure shall exceed the Revolving Credit Commitment as then in effect, the Borrower shall, as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than the next Business Day, pay an aggregate principal amount of the Loans sufficient to bring the Revolving Credit Exposure within the Revolving Credit Commitment.

(b)       Swing Line Exposure. If, at any time, the Swing Line Exposure shall exceed the Swing Line Commitment, the Borrower shall, as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than the next Business Day, pay an aggregate principal amount of the Swing Loans sufficient to bring the Swing Line Exposure within the Swing Line Commitment.

(c)       Alternate Currency Exposure. If, at any time, the Alternate Currency Exposure shall exceed the Alternate Currency Maximum Amount, the Borrower shall, as promptly as practicable, but in no event later than the next Business Day, pay an aggregate principal amount of the Alternate Currency Loans sufficient to bring the Alternate Currency Exposure within the Alternate Currency Maximum Amount.

(d)       Application of Mandatory Payments. Unless otherwise designated by the Borrower, each prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11(a) hereof shall be applied in the following order (i) first, on a pro rata basis for the Lenders, to outstanding Base Rate Loans, and (ii) second, on a pro rata basis for the Lenders, to outstanding LIBOR Fixed Rate Loans; provided that, if the outstanding principal amount of any LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan shall be reduced to an amount less than the minimum amount set forth in Section 2.5(d) hereof as a result of such prepayment, then such LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan shall be converted into a Base Rate Loan on the date of such prepayment. Any prepayment of a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan pursuant to this Section 2.11 shall be subject to the prepayment provisions set forth in Article III hereof.

Section 2.12. Cash Collateral. At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, within one (1) Business Day following the written request of the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize the Issuing Lender’s Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender (determined after giving effect to Section 10.12(a)(iv) hereof and any Cash Collateral provided by such Defaulting Lender) in an amount not less than the Minimum Collateral Amount.

(a)       Grant of Security Interest. The Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender, hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Issuing Lender, and agrees to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such Cash Collateral as security for the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of the Letter of Credit Exposure, to be applied pursuant to subsection (b) below. If, at any time, the Administrative Agent determines that Cash Collateral is subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Lender as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the Minimum Collateral Amount, the Borrower will, promptly upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay or provide to the Administrative Agent additional Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to eliminate such deficiency (after giving effect to any Cash Collateral provided by such Defaulting Lender).

 

43


(b)       Application. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under this Section 2.12 or Section 10.12 in respect of Letters of Credit shall be applied to the satisfaction of the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of the Letter of Credit Exposure (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.

(c)       Termination of Requirement. Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce the Issuing Lender’s Fronting Exposure shall no longer be required to be held as Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.12 following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender), (ii) the determination by the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Lender that there exists excess Cash Collateral, or (iii) upon the Defaulting Lender(s) ceasing to be Defaulting Lender(s) or upon such Defaulting Lender(s) being removed and/or replaced with one of more Lenders that are not Defaulting Lenders in accordance with Section 10.12(d) hereof or otherwise.

ARTICLE III. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO

LIBOR FIXED RATE LOANS; INCREASED CAPITAL; TAXES

Section 3.1. Requirements of Law.

(a)       If any Change in Law shall:

(i)       impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participates in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the Eurodollar Rate or the Alternate Currency Rate);

(ii)       subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in subparts (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on any Loan, Letter of Credit, or commitment or other obligation hereunder, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(iii)     impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Lender of making, converting into, continuing or maintaining LIBOR Fixed Rate Loans or issuing or participating in Letters of Credit, or to reduce any amount receivable hereunder in respect thereof, then, in any such case, the Borrower shall pay to such Lender, promptly after receipt of a written request therefor (but in

 

44


any event within ten (10) days), any additional amounts necessary to compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduced amount receivable.

(b)       If any Lender shall have determined in good faith that, after the Closing Date, any Change in Law regarding capital adequacy or liquidity, or liquidity requirements or in the interpretation or application thereof by a Governmental Authority or compliance by such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy or liquidity (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority shall have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or such corporation’s capital as a consequence of its obligations hereunder, or under or in respect of any Letter of Credit, to a level below that which such Lender or such corporation could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration the policies of such Lender or such corporation with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time, upon submission by such Lender to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of a written request therefor (which shall include the method for calculating such amount and reasonable detail with respect to the calculation), the Borrower shall promptly (but in any event within ten (10) Business Days) pay or cause to be paid to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such corporation for such reduction.

(c)       A certificate of a Lender or Issuing Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or Issuing Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 3.1 and delivered to the Borrower, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or Issuing Lender, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof.

(d)       Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Issuing Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or Issuing Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing Lender pursuant to this Section 3.1 for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender or Issuing Lender, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions, and of such Lender’s or Issuing Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

Section 3.2. Taxes.

(a)       Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party under any Loan Document shall be made without set off, counterclaim, deduction or withholding for, and free and clear of any present or future, Taxes, except as required by applicable laws. If any applicable laws (as determined in the reasonable discretion of the applicable Withholding Agent) require the deduction or withholding of any Tax (including, without limitation, both United States federal backup withholding and withholding taxes) from any such payment by such

 

45


Withholding Agent then (i) such Withholding Agent shall withhold or make such deductions in amounts as determined by such Withholding Agent in its reasonable discretion based in part upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (ii) such Withholding Agent shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable laws, and (iii) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable to the applicable Recipient by the applicable Credit Party shall be increased as necessary so that, after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including, without limitation, any such withholdings and deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.2), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

(b)       Payment of Other Taxes by the Credit Parties. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Credit Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or, at the option of the Administrative Agent, timely reimburse the Administrative Agent for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

(c)       Tax Indemnifications.

(i)       Each of the Credit Parties shall, and does hereby, jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, and shall make payment in respect thereof within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.2) payable or paid by such Recipient, or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender or the Issuing Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the Issuing Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(ii)       Each Lender and the Issuing Lender shall, and does hereby, severally indemnify, and shall make payment in respect thereof within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor, (A) the Administrative Agent against any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender or the Issuing Lender (but only to the extent that any Credit Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and, without limiting the obligation of the Credit Parties to do so), (B) the Administrative Agent against any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 10.11 hereof relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register, and (C) the Administrative Agent against any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender or the Issuing Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be

 

46


conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender and the Issuing Lender hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this subpart (ii).

(d)       Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Credit Party to a Governmental Authority, as provided in this Section 3.2, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(e)       Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation.

(i)         Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two (2) sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 3.2(e)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if, in the Lender’s reasonable judgment, such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense, or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

(ii)         Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(A)       any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable written request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

(B)       any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time

 

47


thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

(1)       in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (y) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or W-8BEN, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty, and (z) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or W-8BEN, as applicable) establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

(2)       executed originals of IRS Form W-8ECI;

(3)       in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (y) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”), and (z) executed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or W-8BEN, as applicable); or

(4)       to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or W-8BEN, as applicable), a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-2 or Exhibit F-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if, the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one (1) or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate, substantially in the form of Exhibit F-4 hereto on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

(C)       any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed copies (or originals, as required) of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or

 

48


the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

(D)       if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this subpart (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

(iii)       Each Lender agrees that if, any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 3.2 expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

(f)       Treatment of Certain Refunds. Unless required by applicable Laws, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender or the Issuing Lender, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender or the Issuing Lender, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender or the Issuing Lender, as the case may be. If any Recipient determines, in its reasonable discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by any Credit Party or with respect to which any Credit Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.2, it shall pay to such Credit Party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Credit Party under this Section 3.2 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund); net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by such Recipient, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that each Credit Party, upon the request of the Recipient, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Credit Party (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Recipient in the event the Recipient is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.2(f), in no event will the applicable Recipient be required to pay any amount to such Credit Party pursuant to this Section 3.2(f) the payment of which would place the Recipient in a less favorable net after-Tax position than such Recipient would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This Section 3.2(f) shall not be construed to require any Recipient to make

 

49


available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to any Credit Party or any other Person.

(g)       Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.2 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender or the Issuing Lender, the termination of the Commitment and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.

Section 3.3. Funding Losses. The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender, promptly after receipt of a written request therefor, and to hold each Lender harmless from, any loss or expense that such Lender may sustain or incur as a consequence of (a) default by the Borrower in making a borrowing of, conversion into or continuation of LIBOR Fixed Rate Loans after the Borrower has given a notice (including a written or verbal notice that is subsequently revoked) requesting the same in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, (b) default by the Borrower in making any prepayment of or conversion from LIBOR Fixed Rate Loans after the Borrower has given a notice (including a written or verbal notice that is subsequently revoked) thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, (c) the making of a prepayment of a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan on a day that is not the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto, or (d) any conversion of a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan to a Base Rate Loan on a day that is not the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto, or (e) any compulsory assignment of such Lender’s interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.3(c) or 10.12 hereof. Such indemnification shall be in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest that would have accrued on the amounts so prepaid, or not so borrowed, converted or continued, for the period from the date of such prepayment or of such failure to borrow, convert or continue to the last day of such Interest Period (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, the Interest Period that would have commenced on the date of such failure) in each case at the applicable rate of interest for such Loans provided for herein (excluding, however, the Applicable Margin included therein, if any) over (ii) the amount of interest (as reasonably determined by such Lender) that would have accrued to such Lender on such amount by placing such amount on deposit for a comparable period with leading banks in the appropriate London interbank market, along with any reasonable administration fee charged by such Lender. A certificate as to any amounts payable pursuant to this Section 3.3 submitted to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) by any Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The obligations of the Borrower pursuant to this Section 3.3 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

Section 3.4. Eurodollar Rate or Alternate Currency Rate Lending Unlawful; Inability to Determine Rate.

(a)       If any Lender shall determine (which determination shall, upon notice thereof to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, be conclusive and binding on the Borrower) that, after the Closing Date, (i) the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any law makes it unlawful, or (ii) any Governmental Authority asserts that it is unlawful, for such Lender to make or continue any Loan as, or to convert (if permitted pursuant to this Agreement) any Loan into, a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan, the obligations of such Lender to make, continue or

 

50


convert into any such LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan shall, upon such determination, be suspended until such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist, and all outstanding LIBOR Fixed Rate Loans payable to such Lender shall automatically convert (if conversion is permitted under this Agreement) into a Base Rate Loan, or be repaid (if no conversion is permitted) at the end of the then current Interest Periods with respect thereto or sooner, if required by law or such assertion.

(b)       If the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that for any reason adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate or Alternate Currency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan, or that the Eurodollar Rate or Alternate Currency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain such LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of such LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a borrowing of a Base Rate Loan in the amount specified therein.

(c)       Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Administrative Agent determines in good faith (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that (i) the circumstances set forth in Section 3.4(b) hereof have arisen and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary, (ii) Thomson Reuters or Bloomberg (or any Person that takes over the administration of such rate) discontinues its administration and publication of interest settlement rates for deposits in Dollars, or (iii) the supervisor for the administrator of the interest settlement rate described in Section 3.4(b) hereof or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which such interest settlement rate shall no longer be used for determining interest rates for loans, then the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall seek to jointly agree upon an alternate rate of interest to the Eurodollar Rate that gives due consideration to the then-prevailing market convention for determining a rate of interest for syndicated loans in the United States at such time, and the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement to reflect such alternate rate of interest and such other related changes to this Agreement as may be applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 10.3 hereof, such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement so long as the Administrative Agent shall not have received, within five (5) Business Days of the date notice of such alternate rate of interest is provided to the Lenders, a written notice from the Required Lenders stating that such Required Lenders object to such amendment. Until an alternate rate of interest shall be determined in accordance with this Section 3.4(c), (y) any request pursuant to this Agreement that requests the conversion to, or continuation of, any Eurodollar Loan shall be ineffective and any such Eurodollar Loan shall be continued as or converted to, as the case may be, a Base Rate Loan, and (z) if any request is made for a Eurodollar Loan, such Loan shall be made as a Base Rate Loan. If the alternate rate of interest determined pursuant to this Section 3.4(c) shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

51


Section 3.5. Discretion of Lenders as to Manner of Funding. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, each Lender shall be entitled to fund and maintain its funding of all or any part of such Lender’s Loans in any manner such Lender deems to be appropriate; it being understood, however, that for the purposes of this Agreement all determinations hereunder shall be made as if such Lender had actually funded and maintained each Eurodollar Loan or Alternate Currency Loan during the applicable Interest Period for such Loan through the purchase of deposits having a maturity corresponding to such Interest Period and bearing an interest rate equal to the Eurodollar Rate or Alternate Currency Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period.

Section 3.6. Replacement of Lenders. The Borrower shall be permitted to replace any Lender that requests reimbursement for amounts owing pursuant to Section 3.1 or 3.2 hereof, or asserts its inability to make a LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan pursuant to Section 3.4 hereof; provided that (a) such replacement does not conflict with any Law, (b) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such replacement, (c) prior to any such replacement, such Lender shall not have taken any and all action necessary to eliminate the continued need for payment of amounts owing pursuant to Section 3.1 or 3.2 hereof or, if it has taken such action, such request has still been made, (d) the replacement financial institution shall purchase, at par, all Loans and other amounts owing to such replaced Lender on or prior to the date of replacement and assume all commitments and obligations of such replaced Lender, (e) the Borrower shall be liable to such replaced Lender under Section 3.3 hereof if any LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan owing to such replaced Lender shall be purchased other than on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto, (f) the replacement Lender, if not already a Lender, shall be approved by the Administrative Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld), (g) the replaced Lender shall be obligated to make such replacement in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.10 hereof (provided that the Borrower (or the succeeding Lender, if such Lender is willing) shall be obligated to pay the assignment fee referred to therein), and (h) until such time as such replacement shall be consummated, the Borrower shall pay all additional amounts (if any) required pursuant to Section 3.1 or 3.2 hereof, as the case may be.

ARTICLE IV. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

Section 4.1. Conditions to Each Credit Event. The obligation of the Lenders, the Issuing Lender and the Swing Line Lender to participate in any Credit Event shall be conditioned, in the case of each Credit Event, upon the following:

(a)       all conditions precedent as listed in Section 4.2 hereof required to be satisfied prior to the first Credit Event shall have been satisfied prior to or as of the first Credit Event;

(b)       the Borrower shall have submitted a Notice of Loan (or with respect to a Letter of Credit, complied with the provisions of Section 2.2(b)(ii) hereof) and otherwise complied with Section 2.5 hereof;

(c)       no Default or Event of Default shall then exist or immediately after such Credit Event would exist;

 

52


(d)       each of the representations and warranties contained in Article VI hereof shall be true in all material respects as if made on and as of the date of such Credit Event, except to the extent that any thereof expressly relate to an earlier date; and

(e)       with respect to each request by the Borrower for an Alternate Currency Loan or for a Letter of Credit to be issued in an Alternate Currency, there shall not have occurred any change in any national or international financial, political or economic conditions or currency exchange rates or exchange controls that, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders (and the Issuing Lender, with respect to any Letter of Credit to be issued in an Alternate Currency) would make it impracticable for such Loan or Letter of Credit to be denominated in the relevant Alternate Currency.

Each request by the Borrower for a Credit Event shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Borrower as of the date of such request as to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent specified in subsections (c) and (d) above.

Section 4.2. Conditions to the First Credit Event. The Borrower shall cause the following conditions to be satisfied on or prior to the Closing Date. The obligation of the Lenders, the Issuing Lender and the Swing Line Lender to participate in the first Credit Event is subject to the Borrower satisfying each of the following conditions prior to or concurrently with such Credit Event:

(a)       Notes as Requested. The Borrower shall have executed and delivered to (i) each Lender requesting a Revolving Credit Note such Lender’s Revolving Credit Note, and (ii) the Swing Line Lender the Swing Line Note, if requested by the Swing Line Lender.

(b)       Guaranties of Payment. Each Guarantor of Payment shall have executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a Guaranty of Payment, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

(c)       Pledge Agreements. The Borrower and each Guarantor of Payment that has a Foreign Subsidiary shall have (i) executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a Pledge Agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, with respect to the Pledged Securities, (ii) executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, appropriate transfer powers for each of the Pledged Securities that are certificated, and (iii) delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, the Pledged Securities (to the extent such Pledged Securities are certificated).

(d)       Lien Searches. With respect to the property owned or leased by each Credit Party, the Borrower shall have caused to be delivered to the Administrative Agent (i) the results of Uniform Commercial Code lien searches (or as appropriate in the applicable foreign jurisdiction), satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, (ii) the results of federal and state tax lien and judicial lien searches (or as appropriate in the applicable foreign jurisdiction), satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (iii) Uniform

 

53


Commercial Code termination statements reflecting termination of all U.C.C. Financing Statements (or as appropriate in the applicable foreign jurisdiction) previously filed by any Person and not expressly permitted pursuant to Section 5.9 hereof.

(e)       Officer’s Certificate, Resolutions, Organizational Documents. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officer’s certificate (or comparable domestic or foreign documents) certifying the names of the officers of each Credit Party authorized to sign the Loan Documents, together with the true signatures of such officers and certified copies of (i) the resolutions of the board of directors (or comparable domestic or foreign documents) of such Credit Party evidencing approval of the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents and the execution and performance of other Related Writings to which such Credit Party is a party, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, and (ii) the Organizational Documents of such Credit Party.

(f)       Good Standing and Full Force and Effect Certificates. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a good standing certificate or full force and effect certificate (or comparable document, if neither certificate is available in the applicable jurisdiction), as the case may be, for each Credit Party, issued on or about the Closing Date by the Secretary of State in the state or states where such Credit Party is incorporated or formed or qualified as a foreign entity.

(g)       Legal Opinion. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an opinion of counsel for the Borrower and each other Credit Party, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

(h)       Borrower Investment Policy. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a copy of the Borrower Investment Policy as in effect on the Closing Date.

(i)       Advertising Permission Letter. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an advertising permission letter, authorizing the Administrative Agent to publicize the transaction and specifically to use the name of the Borrower in connection with “tombstone” advertisements in one or more publications selected by the Administrative Agent.

(j)       Administrative Agent Fee Letter, Closing Fee Letter and Other Fees. The Borrower shall have (i) executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent Fee Letter and paid to the Administrative Agent, for its sole account, the fees stated therein, (ii) executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent, the Closing Fee Letter and paid to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, the fees stated therein, and (iii) paid all legal fees and expenses of the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation and negotiation of the Loan Documents.

(k)       Existing Credit Agreement. The Borrower shall terminate the Credit Agreement among the Borrower, KeyBank, as the administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto, dated as of May 12, 2015, simultaneously with the funding of the first Credit Event, which termination shall be deemed to occur upon payment in full of all of the Obligations (as defined therein) outstanding thereunder.

 

54


(l)       Closing Certificate. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders an officer’s certificate certifying that, as of the Closing Date, (i) all conditions precedent set forth in this Article IV have been satisfied, (ii) no Default or Event of Default exists or immediately after the first Credit Event will exist, and (iii) each of the representations and warranties contained in Article VI hereof are true and correct as of the Closing Date.

(m)       Letter of Direction. The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a letter of direction authorizing the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, to disburse the proceeds of the Loans, which letter of direction includes the authorization to transfer funds under this Agreement and the wire instructions that set forth the locations to which such funds shall be sent.

(n)       No Material Adverse Change. No material adverse change, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, shall have occurred in the financial condition, operations or prospects of the Companies taken as a whole since December 31, 2017.

(o)       KYC Information. Upon the reasonable request of any Lender at least three (3) days prior to the Closing Date, the Borrower shall have provided to such Lender (i) the documentation and other information so requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money-laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act, and (ii) if any Credit Party qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, a Beneficial Ownership Certification, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(p)       Miscellaneous. The Borrower shall have provided to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders such other items and shall have satisfied such other conditions as may be reasonably required by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders.

ARTICLE V. COVENANTS

Section 5.1. Insurance. Each Company shall (a) maintain insurance to such extent and against such hazards and liabilities as is commonly maintained by Persons similarly situated; and (b) within ten days of any Lender’s written request, furnish to such Lender such information about such Company’s insurance as that Lender may from time to time reasonably request, which information shall be prepared in form and detail satisfactory to such Lender and certified by a Financial Officer of such Company.

Section 5.2. Money Obligations. Each Company shall pay in full (a) prior in each case to the date when penalties would attach, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges and levies (except only those so long as and to the extent that the same shall be contested in good faith by appropriate and timely proceedings and for which adequate provisions have been established in accordance with GAAP) for which it may be or become liable or to which any or all of its properties may be or become subject; (b) all of its material wage obligations to its

 

55


employees in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. §§ 206-207) or any comparable provisions, and, in the case of the Foreign Subsidiaries, those obligations under foreign laws with respect to employee source deductions, obligations and employer obligations to its employees; and (c) all of its other material obligations calling for the payment of money (except only those so long as and to the extent that the same shall be contested in good faith and for which adequate provisions have been established in accordance with GAAP) before such payment becomes overdue.

Section 5.3. Financial Statements and Information.

(a)       Quarterly Financials. The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three quarterly periods of each fiscal year of the Borrower, an unaudited condensed Consolidated balance sheet of the Companies as of the end of such period and the related unaudited Consolidated statements of operations and cash flow for the quarter and fiscal year to date periods, all prepared on a Consolidated basis, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and certified by a Financial Officer.

(b)       Annual Audit Report. The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, an annual audit report of the Companies for that year prepared on a Consolidated basis, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and certified by an unqualified opinion of an independent public accountant satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which report shall include balance sheets and statements of income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash-flow for that period.

(c)       Compliance Certificate. The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements set forth in subsections (a) and (b) above, a Compliance Certificate.

(d)       Management Reports. The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, concurrently with the delivery of the quarterly and annual financial statements set forth in subsections (a) and (b) above, a copy of any management report, letter or similar writing furnished to the Companies by the Borrower’s independent outside auditors in respect of the systems, operations, financial condition or properties of the Companies.

(e)       Pro-Forma Projections. The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, annual pro-forma projections of the Companies for the then current fiscal year, to be in a form consistent with the past practices of the Borrower.

(f)       Shareholder and SEC Documents. The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as soon as available, copies of all notices, reports, definitive proxy or other statements and other documents sent by the Borrower to its shareholders, to the holders of any of its debentures or bonds or the trustee of any indenture securing the same or pursuant to which they are issued, or sent by the Borrower (in final form) to

 

56


any securities exchange or over the counter authority or system, or to the SEC or any similar federal agency having regulatory jurisdiction over the issuance of the Borrower’s securities.

(g)       Financial Information of the Companies. The Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, within ten days of the written request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, such other information about the financial condition, properties and operations of any Company as the Administrative Agent or such Lender may from time to time reasonably request, which information shall be submitted in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or such Lender and certified by a Financial Officer of the Company or Companies in question.

Section 5.4. Financial Records. Each Company shall at all times maintain true and complete records and books of account, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, appropriate provisions for possible losses and liabilities, all in accordance with GAAP, and at all reasonable times (during normal business hours and upon notice to such Company) permit the Administrative Agent or any Lender, or any representative of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, to examine such Company’s books and records and to make excerpts therefrom and transcripts thereof.

Section 5.5. Franchises; Change in Business.

(a)       Each Company (other than a Dormant Subsidiary) shall preserve and maintain at all times its existence, and its rights and franchises necessary for its business, except as otherwise permitted pursuant to Section 5.12 hereof.

(b)       No Company shall engage in any business if, as a result thereof, the general nature of the business of the Companies taken as a whole would be substantially changed from the general nature of the business the Companies are engaged in on the Closing Date.

Section 5.6. ERISA Pension and Benefit Plan Compliance.

(a)       Generally. No Company shall incur any material accumulated funding deficiency within the meaning of ERISA, or any material liability to the PBGC, established thereunder in connection with any ERISA Plan. The Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (i) as soon as possible and in any event within thirty (30) days after any Company knows or has reason to know that any Reportable Event with respect to any ERISA Plan has occurred, a statement of a Financial Officer of such Company, setting forth details as to such Reportable Event and the action that such Company proposes to take with respect thereto, together with a copy of the notice of such Reportable Event given to the PBGC if a copy of such notice is available to such Company, and (ii) promptly after receipt thereof, a copy of any notice such Company, or any member of the Controlled Group may receive from the PBGC or the IRS with respect to any ERISA Plan administered by such Company; provided that this latter clause shall not apply to notices of general application promulgated by the PBGC or the IRS. The Borrower shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any material taxes assessed, proposed to be assessed or that the Borrower has reason to believe may be assessed against a Company by the IRS with respect to any ERISA Plan. As used in this Section 5.6(a), “material”

 

57


means the measure of a matter of significance that shall be determined as being an amount equal to five percent (5%) of Consolidated Net Worth. As soon as practicable, and in any event within twenty (20) days, after any Company shall become aware that an ERISA Event shall have occurred, such Company shall provide the Administrative Agent with notice of such ERISA Event with a certificate by a Financial Officer of such Company setting forth the details of the event and the action such Company or another Controlled Group member proposes to take with respect thereto. The Borrower shall, at the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, deliver or cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, true and correct copies of any documents relating to the ERISA Plan of any Company.

(b)       Foreign Pension Plans and Benefit Plans.

(i)       For each existing, or hereafter adopted, Foreign Pension Plan and Foreign Benefit Plan, the Borrower and any appropriate Foreign Subsidiary shall in a timely fashion comply with and perform in all material respects all of its obligations under and in respect of such Foreign Pension Plan or Foreign Benefit Plan, including under any funding agreements and all applicable laws (including any fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations).

(ii)       All employer or employee payments, contributions or premiums required to be remitted, paid to or in respect of each Foreign Pension Plan or Foreign Benefit Plan shall be paid or remitted by the Borrower and any appropriate Foreign Subsidiary in a timely fashion in accordance with the terms thereof, any funding agreements and all applicable laws.

(iii)     The Borrower and any appropriate Foreign Subsidiary shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (A) if requested by the Administrative Agent, copies of each annual and other return, report or valuation with respect to each Foreign Pension Plan as filed with any applicable Governmental Authority; and (B) promptly after receipt thereof, a copy of any material direction, order, notice, ruling or opinion that the Borrower and any appropriate Foreign Subsidiary may receive from any applicable Governmental Authority with respect to any Foreign Pension Plan.

Section 5.7. Financial Covenants.

(a)       Leverage Ratio. The Borrower shall not suffer or permit at any time the Leverage Ratio to exceed 3.50 to 1.00 (or 4.00 to 1.00 during any Leverage Ratio Step-Up Period).

(b)       Interest Coverage Ratio. The Borrower shall not suffer or permit at any time the Interest Coverage Ratio to be less than 3.00 to 1.00.

Section 5.8. Borrowing. No Company shall create, incur or have outstanding any Indebtedness of any kind; provided that this Section 5.8 shall not apply to the following:

(a)       the Loans, the Letters of Credit and any other Indebtedness under this Agreement;

 

58


(b)       any loans granted to, or Capitalized Lease Obligations entered into by, any Credit Party for the purchase or lease of fixed assets (and refinancings of such loans or Capitalized Lease Obligations), which loans and Capitalized Lease Obligations shall only be secured by the fixed assets being purchased or leased, so long as the aggregate principal amount of all such loans and Capitalized Lease Obligations for all Credit Parties shall not exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) at any time outstanding;

(c)       any loans granted to or Capitalized Lease Obligations entered into by any Foreign Subsidiary for the purchase or lease of fixed assets (and refinancings of such loans or Capitalized Lease Obligations), which loans and Capitalized Lease Obligations shall only be secured by the fixed assets being purchased, so long as the aggregate principal amount of all such loans and Capitalized Lease Obligations for all Foreign Subsidiaries shall not exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) at any time outstanding;

(d)       the Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date, in addition to the other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to this Section 5.8, as set forth in Schedule 5.8 hereto (and any extension, renewal or refinancing thereof but only to the extent that the principal amount thereof does not increase after the Closing Date);

(e)       loans to, and guaranties of Indebtedness of, a Company from a Company so long as each such Company is a Credit Party;

(f)       Indebtedness under any Hedge Agreement, so long as such Hedge Agreement shall have been entered into in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(g)       Permitted Foreign Subsidiary Loans, Guaranties and Investments;

(h)       in addition to the Indebtedness permitted pursuant to subsection (g) hereof, Indebtedness of a Company (secured or unsecured), so long as the aggregate principal amount of all such Indebtedness for all Companies shall not exceed Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) at any time outstanding; and

(i)       other unsecured Indebtedness, in addition to the Indebtedness listed above, in an aggregate principal amount for all Companies not to exceed Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) at any time outstanding.

Section 5.9. Liens. No Company shall create, assume or suffer to exist (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise) any Lien upon any of its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired; provided that this Section 5.9 shall not apply to the following:

(a)       Liens for taxes not yet due or that are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves shall have been established in accordance with GAAP;

(b)       other statutory or common law Liens incidental to the conduct of its business or the ownership of its property and assets that (i) were not incurred in connection with the

 

59


incurring of Indebtedness or the obtaining of advances or credit, and (ii) do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of its property or assets or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of its business;

(c)       Liens on property or assets of a Subsidiary to secure obligations of such Subsidiary to a Credit Party;

(d)       any Lien granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders (and affiliates thereof);

(e)       the Liens existing on the Closing Date as set forth in Schedule 5.9 hereto and replacements, extensions, renewals, refundings or refinancings thereof, but only to the extent that the amount of debt secured thereby, and the amount and description of property subject to such Liens, shall not be increased;

(f)       purchase money Liens on fixed assets securing the loans and Capitalized Lease Obligations pursuant to Section 5.8(b) or (c) hereof, provided that such Lien is limited to the purchase price and only attaches to the property being acquired;

(g)       easements or other minor defects or irregularities in title of real property not interfering in any material respect with the use of such property in the business of any Company;

(h)       any Lien on fixed assets owned by a Company as a result of an Acquisition permitted pursuant to Section 5.13 hereof, so long as (i) such Lien was not created at the time of or in contemplation of such Acquisition, and (ii) such Lien is released within ninety (90) days after such Acquisition (unless the Borrower shall have obtained the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders to such Lien); or

(i)       other Liens, in addition to the Liens listed above, not incurred in connection with the incurring of Indebtedness, securing amounts, in the aggregate for all Companies, not to exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) at any time.

No Company shall enter into any contract or agreement (other than a contract or agreement entered into in connection with the purchase or lease of fixed assets that prohibits Liens on such fixed assets) that would prohibit the Administrative Agent or the Lenders from acquiring a security interest, mortgage or other Lien on, or a collateral assignment of, any of the property or assets of such Company.

Section 5.10. Regulations T, U and X. No Company shall take any action that would result in any non-compliance of the Loans or Letters of Credit with Regulations T, U or X, or any other applicable regulation, of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Section 5.11. Investments, Loans and Guaranties. No Company shall (a) create, acquire or hold any Subsidiary, (b) make or hold any investment in any stocks, bonds or securities of any kind, (c) be or become a party to any joint venture or other partnership, (d) make or keep outstanding any advance or loan to any Person, or (e) be or become a Guarantor of any kind

 

60


(other than a Guarantor of Payment under the Loan Documents); provided that this Section 5.11 shall not apply to the following:

(i)         any endorsement of a check or other medium of payment for deposit or collection through normal banking channels or similar transaction in the normal course of business;

(ii)       any investment in direct obligations of the United States of America or in certificates of deposit issued by a member bank (having capital resources in excess of Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500,000,000)) of the Federal Reserve System;

(iii)       any investment in commercial paper or securities that at the time of such investment is assigned the highest quality rating in accordance with the rating systems employed by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s, or any other investment made according to the Borrower Investment Policy;

(iv)      the holding of each of the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 6.1 hereto, and the creation, acquisition and holding of and any investment in any new Subsidiary after the Closing Date so long as such new Subsidiary shall have been created, acquired or held, and investments made, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

(v)       loans to, investments in and guaranties of the Indebtedness (permitted under Section 5.8(e) hereof) of, a Company from or by a Company so long as each such Company is a Credit Party;

(vi)     any Permitted Investments or Permitted Foreign Subsidiary Loans, Guaranties and Investments, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall exist prior to or after giving pro forma effect to such loan or investment;

(vii)     loans from the Borrower to one or more shareholders of certain Affiliates organized in China, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) at any time outstanding;

(viii)   the holding of any stock that has been acquired pursuant to an Acquisition permitted by Section 5.13 hereof; or

(ix)      performance guaranties issued by a Credit Party to customers of a Foreign Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and upon terms typical to the industry; provided that this subpart (ix) shall not include guaranties of Indebtedness.

Section 5.12. Merger and Sale of Assets. No Company shall merge, amalgamate or consolidate with any other Person, or sell, lease or transfer or otherwise dispose of any assets to any Person other than in the ordinary course of business, except that, if no Default or Event of Default shall then exist or immediately thereafter shall begin to exist:

 

61


(a)       a Domestic Subsidiary may merge with (i) the Borrower (provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person) or (ii) any one or more Guarantors of Payment;

(b)       a Domestic Subsidiary may sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets to (i) the Borrower or (ii) any Guarantor of Payment;

(c)       a Domestic Subsidiary (other than a Credit Party) may merge with or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets to any other Domestic Subsidiary;

(d)       a Foreign Subsidiary may merge or amalgamate with a Credit Party provided that a Credit Party, or if applicable, the Borrower, shall be the continuing or surviving Person;

(e)       a Foreign Subsidiary may sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets to a Credit Party;

(f)       a Foreign Subsidiary may merge or amalgamate with or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets to any other Foreign Subsidiary;

(g)       a Company may sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any assets that are obsolete or no longer useful or no longer used in such Company’s business; and

(h)       Acquisitions may be effected in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.13 hereof.

Section 5.13. Acquisitions. No Company shall effect an Acquisition; provided that a Company may effect an Acquisition so long as such Acquisition meets all of the following requirements:

(a)       in the case of an Acquisition that involves a merger, amalgamation or other combination including the Borrower, the Borrower shall be the surviving entity;

(b)       in the case of an Acquisition that involves a merger, amalgamation or other combination including a Credit Party (other than the Borrower), a Credit Party shall be the surviving entity;

(c)       the business to be acquired shall be similar to the lines of business of the Companies;

(d)       the Companies shall be in full compliance with the Loan Documents both prior to and after giving pro forma effect to such Acquisition;

(e)       no Default or Event of Default shall exist prior to or, after giving pro forma effect to such Acquisition, thereafter shall begin to exist;

 

62


(f)       such Acquisition is not actively opposed by the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the selling Persons or the Persons whose equity interests are to be acquired; and

(g)       the Liquidity Amount shall be no less than Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) after giving effect to such Acquisition.

Section 5.14. Notice. The Borrower shall cause a Financial Officer to promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in writing, whenever any of the following shall occur:

(a)       a Default or Event of Default occurs hereunder or any representation or warranty made in Article VI hereof or elsewhere in this Agreement or in any Related Writing for any reason ceases in any material respect to be true and complete; or

(b)       the Borrower learns of a litigation or proceeding against the Borrower before a court, administrative agency or arbitrator that, if successful, might have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.15. Restricted Payments. No Company shall make or commit itself to make any Restricted Payment at any time, except that, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall then exist or, after giving pro forma effect to such payment, thereafter shall begin to exist, the Companies may make Capital Distributions.

Section 5.16. Environmental Compliance. Each Company shall comply in all material respects with any and all Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits including, without limitation, all Environmental Laws in jurisdictions in which such Company owns or operates a facility or site, arranges for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances, solid waste or other wastes, accepts for transport any hazardous substances, solid waste or other wastes or holds any interest in real property or otherwise. The Borrower shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, promptly after receipt thereof, a copy of any notice such Company may receive from any Governmental Authority or private Person, or otherwise, that any material litigation or proceeding pertaining to any environmental, health or safety matter has been filed or is threatened against such Company, any real property in which such Company holds any interest or any past or present operation of such Company. No Company shall allow the release or disposal of hazardous waste, solid waste or other wastes on, under or to any real property in which any Company holds any ownership interest or performs any of its operations, in violation of any Environmental Law. As used in this Section 5.16, “litigation or proceeding” means any demand, claim, notice, suit, suit in equity action, administrative action, investigation or inquiry whether brought by any Governmental Authority or private Person, or otherwise. The Borrower shall defend, indemnify and hold the Administrative Agent and the Lenders harmless against all costs, expenses, claims, damages, penalties and liabilities of every kind or nature whatsoever (including attorneys’ fees) arising out of or resulting from the noncompliance of any Company with any Environmental Law. Such indemnification shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

63


Section 5.17. Affiliate Transactions. No Company shall, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any transaction or series of transactions (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate (other than a Company that is a Credit Party or a Foreign Subsidiary) on terms that shall be less favorable to such Company than those that might be obtained at the time in a transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit the payment of customary and reasonable directors’ fees to directors who are not employees of a Company or an Affiliate.

Section 5.18. Use of Proceeds. The Borrower’s use of the proceeds of the Loans shall be for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Companies, for the refinancing of existing Indebtedness, for Capital Distributions permitted hereunder and for Acquisitions permitted hereunder. The Borrower will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the Loans or any Letters of Credit, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person, (a) to fund activities or business of any Person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions, or (b) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws.

Section 5.19. Subsidiary Guaranties and Pledge of Stock or Other Ownership Interest.

(a)       Guaranties. Each Domestic Subsidiary (that is not a Dormant Subsidiary) created, acquired or held subsequent to the Closing Date, shall promptly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a Guaranty of Payment (or a Guaranty of Payment Joinder) of all of the Obligations, such agreement to be prepared by the Administrative Agent and in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent, along with any such other supporting documentation, corporate governance and authorization documents, and an opinion of counsel as may be deemed necessary or advisable by the Administrative Agent. With respect to a Domestic Subsidiary that has been classified as a Dormant Subsidiary, at such time that such Domestic Subsidiary no longer meets the requirements of a Dormant Subsidiary, the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice thereof, and shall provide, with respect to such Domestic Subsidiary, all of the documents referenced in the foregoing sentence.

(b)       Pledge of Stock or Other Ownership Interest. With respect to the creation or acquisition of a first-tier Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower or a Domestic Subsidiary, the Borrower shall cause the appropriate Credit Party to (i) deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, a Pledge Agreement prepared by, and in form and substance satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent, (ii) deliver to the Administrative Agent, pursuant to such Pledge Agreement, sixty-five percent (65%) of the total outstanding shares of voting capital stock or other voting equity interest owned by such Credit Party and one hundred percent (100%) of all non-voting shares of stock or other non-voting equity interests owned by such Credit Party, and (iii) deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, the outstanding share certificates (or other evidence of equity) evidencing such pledged ownership interest.

 

64


(c)       Perfection or Registration of Interest in Foreign Shares. With respect to any foreign shares pledged to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, on or after the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent shall at all times, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, have the right to perfect, at the Borrower’s cost, payable upon request therefor (including, without limitation, any foreign counsel, or foreign notary, filing, registration or similar, fees, costs or expenses), its security interest in such shares in the respective foreign jurisdiction. Such perfection may include the requirement that the applicable Company promptly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a separate pledge document (prepared by the Administrative Agent and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), covering such equity interests, that conforms to the requirements of the applicable foreign jurisdiction, together with an opinion of local counsel as to the perfection of the security interest provided for therein, and all other documentation necessary or desirable to effect the foregoing and to permit the Administrative Agent to exercise any of its rights and remedies in respect thereof.

(d)       Pledge of Intercompany Notes. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5.19 to the contrary, in the event that the Administrative Agent determines, in its sole discretion, that the registration or perfection of any of the pledges pursuant to subsection (c) above under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction is impractical or cost prohibitive, then the Administrative Agent may (i) forego registration or perfection of such interest in such foreign jurisdiction, and (ii) if desirable, in its sole discretion and with the concurrence of the Borrower, take a pledge on, and delivery of, any Intercompany Note owing from such Foreign Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries, with documentation of such pledge to be prepared by the Administrative Agent and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. To the extent the Borrower shall, pursuant to this subsection (d), have delivered an Intercompany Note to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, in lieu of any foreign shares, the Borrower shall have the right to request the return of such Intercompany Note from the Administrative Agent if (A) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, and (B) the Borrower shall have pledged the appropriate foreign shares to the Administrative Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Section 5.20. Restrictive Agreements. Except as set forth in this Agreement, the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Subsidiary to (a) make, directly or indirectly, any Capital Distribution to the Borrower, (b) make, directly or indirectly, loans or advances or capital contributions to the Borrower or (c) transfer, directly or indirectly, any of the properties or assets of such Subsidiary to the Borrower; except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) applicable law, (ii) customary non-assignment provisions in leases or other agreements entered in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices, or (iii) customary restrictions in security agreements or mortgages securing Indebtedness, or capital leases, of a Company to the extent such restrictions shall only restrict the transfer of the property subject to such security agreement, mortgage or lease.

 

65


Section 5.21. Pari Passu Ranking. The Obligations shall, and the Borrower shall take all necessary action to ensure that the Obligations shall, at all times, rank at least pari passu in right of payment with all other senior unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower.

Section 5.22. Guaranty Under Material Indebtedness Agreement. No Company shall be or become a primary obligor or Guarantor of the Indebtedness incurred pursuant to any Material Indebtedness Agreement unless such Company shall also be the Borrower or a Guarantor of Payment under this Agreement prior to or concurrently therewith.

Section 5.23. Amendment of Organizational Documents. No Company shall amend its Organizational Documents to change its name or state, province or other jurisdiction, or its form, of organization, or otherwise amend its Organizational Documents in any manner adverse to the Lenders, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

Section 5.24. Beneficial Ownership. The Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders: (a) confirmation of the accuracy of the information set forth in the most recent Beneficial Ownership Certification provided to the Administrative Agent and Lenders, promptly following any request therefor (or an updated Beneficial Ownership Certification if applicable); (b) a new Beneficial Ownership Certification, in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent and each Lenders, when the individual(s) to be identified as a Beneficial Owner have changed; and (c) such other KYC Information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

Section 5.25. Further Assurances. The Borrower shall, and shall cause each other Credit Party to, promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent, or the Required Lenders through the Administrative Agent, (a) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in any Loan Document or in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation thereof, and (b) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments related to the Pledged Securities or the Intercompany Notes as the Administrative Agent, or the Required Lenders through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably require from time to time in order to carry out more effectively the purposes of the Loan Documents.

ARTICLE VI. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 6.1. Corporate Existence; Subsidiaries; Foreign Qualification. Each Company is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing (or comparable concept in the applicable jurisdiction) under the laws of its state or jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, and is duly qualified and authorized to do business and is in good standing (or comparable concept in the applicable jurisdiction) as a foreign entity in the jurisdictions set forth opposite its name on Schedule 6.1 hereto, which are all of the states or jurisdictions where the character of its property or its business activities makes such qualification necessary, except where a failure to so qualify would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Schedule 6.1 hereto sets forth, as of the Closing Date (or, if Schedule 6.1 has been amended, as of the date of such

 

66


amendment), each Subsidiary of the Borrower (and whether such Subsidiary is a Dormant Subsidiary), its state (or jurisdiction) of formation, its relationship to the Borrower, including the percentage of each class of stock or other equity interest owned by a Company, each Person that owns the stock or other equity interest of each Company, the location of its chief executive office and its principal place of business. The Borrower, directly or indirectly, owns all of the equity interests of each of its Subsidiaries (excluding directors’ qualifying shares and, in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries, other nominal amounts of shares held by a Person other than a Company).

Section 6.2. Corporate Authority. Each Credit Party has the right and power and is duly authorized and empowered to enter into, execute and deliver the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to perform and observe the provisions of the Loan Documents. The Loan Documents to which each Credit Party is a party have been duly authorized and approved by such Credit Party’s board of directors or other governing body, as applicable, and are the legal, valid and binding obligations of such Credit Party, enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance with their respective terms. The execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents do not conflict with, result in a breach in any of the provisions of, constitute a default under, or result in the creation of a Lien (other than Liens permitted under Section 5.9 hereof) upon any assets or property of any Company under the provisions of, such Company’s Organizational Documents or any material agreement to which such Company is a party.

Section 6.3. Compliance with Laws and Contracts. Each Company:

(a)       holds permits, certificates, licenses, orders, registrations, franchises, authorizations, and other approvals from any Governmental Authority necessary for the conduct of its business and is in compliance with all applicable laws relating thereto, except where the failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

(b)       is in compliance with all federal, state, local, or foreign applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and orders including, without limitation, those relating to environmental protection, occupational safety and health, and equal employment practices, except where the failure to be in compliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

(c)       is not in violation of or in default under any agreement to which it is a party or by which its assets are subject or bound, except with respect to any violation or default that would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

(d)       has ensured that no Person who owns a controlling interest in a Company or otherwise controls a Company (other than the Borrower) and no executive officer or director of the Borrower is (i) listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), Department of the Treasury, or any other similar lists maintained by OFAC pursuant to any authorizing statute, executive order or regulation, or (ii) a Person designated under Section 1(b), (c) or (d) of Executive Order No. 13224 (September 23, 2001), any related enabling legislation or any other similar executive orders;

 

67


(e)       has ensured that no Company, or to the knowledge of any Company, any director or officer of a Company, is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by Persons that are (i) the subject of any Sanctions, or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is, or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions;

(f)       is in compliance with all applicable Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and anti-money laundering laws and regulations;

(g)       is in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws;

(h)       is in compliance with the Patriot Act; and

(i)       maintains in effect for itself and its Subsidiaries policies and procedures to ensure compliance by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries, and their respective officers, employees, directors, and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

Section 6.4. Litigation and Administrative Proceedings. Except as disclosed on Schedule 6.4 hereto, there are (a) no lawsuits, actions, investigations, examinations or other proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against any Company, or in respect of which any Company may have any liability, in any court or before or by any Governmental Authority, arbitration board, or other tribunal that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (b) no orders, writs, injunctions, judgments, or decrees of any court or Governmental Authority to which any Company is a party or by which the property or assets of any Company are bound that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) no grievances, disputes, or controversies outstanding with any union or other organization of the employees of any Company, or threats of work stoppage, strike, or pending demands for collective bargaining that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 6.5. Title to Assets. Each Company has good title to and ownership of all property it purports to own, which property is free and clear of all Liens, except those permitted under Section 5.9 hereof.

Section 6.6. Liens and Security Interests. On and after the Closing Date, except for Liens permitted pursuant to Section 5.9 hereof, (a) there is and will be no U.C.C. Financing Statement or similar notice of Lien outstanding covering any personal property of any Company; (b) there is and will be no mortgage outstanding covering any real property of any Company; and (c) no real or personal property of any Company is subject to any Lien of any kind. No Company has entered into any contract or agreement (other than a contract or agreement entered into in connection with the purchase or lease of fixed assets that prohibits Liens on such fixed assets) that exists on or after the Closing Date that would prohibit the Administrative Agent or the Lenders from acquiring a Lien on, or a collateral assignment of, any of the property or assets of any Company.

Section 6.7. Tax Returns. All federal, state, provincial and local tax returns and other reports required by law to be filed in respect of the income, business, properties and employees

 

68


of each Company have been filed (or extended as permitted by applicable law) and all taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges that are due and payable have been paid, except as otherwise permitted herein. The provision for taxes on the books of each Company is adequate for all years not closed by applicable statutes and for the current fiscal year.

Section 6.8. Environmental Laws. Each Company is in material compliance with all Environmental Laws, including, without limitation, all Environmental Laws in all jurisdictions in which any Company owns or operates, or has owned or operated, a facility or site, arranges or has arranged for disposal or treatment of hazardous substances, solid waste or other wastes, accepts or has accepted for transport any hazardous substances, solid waste or other wastes or holds or has held any interest in real property or otherwise. No litigation or proceeding arising under, relating to or in connection with any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit is pending or, to the best knowledge of each Company, threatened, against any Company, any real property in which any Company holds or has held an interest or any past or present operation of any Company. No material release, threatened release or disposal of hazardous waste, solid waste or other wastes is occurring, or has occurred (other than those that are currently being remediated in accordance with Environmental Laws), on, under or to any real property in which any Company holds any interest or performs any of its operations, in violation of any Environmental Law. As used in this Section 6.8, “litigation or proceeding” means any demand, claim, notice, suit, suit in equity, action, administrative action, investigation or inquiry whether brought by any Governmental Authority or private Person, or otherwise.

Section 6.9. Continued Business. There exists no actual, pending, or, to the Borrower’s knowledge, any threatened termination, cancellation or material limitation of, or any materially adverse modification or change in the business relationship of any Company and any customer or supplier, or any group of customers or suppliers, whose purchases or supplies, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse Effect, and there exists no present condition or state of facts or circumstances that would have a Material Adverse Effect or prevent a Company from conducting such business or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in substantially the same manner in which it was previously conducted.

Section 6.10. Employee Benefits Plans.

(a)       US Employee Benefit Plans. Schedule 6.10 hereto identifies each ERISA Plan as of the Closing Date. No ERISA Event has occurred or is expected to occur with respect to an ERISA Plan. Full payment has been made of all amounts that a Controlled Group member is required, under applicable law or under the governing documents, to have paid as a contribution to or a benefit under each ERISA Plan. The liability of each Controlled Group member with respect to each ERISA Plan has been fully funded based upon reasonable and proper actuarial assumptions, has been fully insured, or has been fully reserved for on its financial statements. No changes have occurred or are expected to occur that would cause a material increase in the cost of providing benefits under the ERISA Plan. With respect to each ERISA Plan that is intended to be qualified under Code Section 401(a), (i) the ERISA Plan and any associated trust operationally comply with the applicable requirements of Code Section 401(a); (ii) the ERISA Plan and any associated trust have been amended to comply with all such requirements as currently in effect, other than those requirements for which a retroactive amendment can be

 

69


made within the “remedial amendment period” available under Code Section 401(b) (as extended under Treasury Regulations and other Treasury pronouncements upon which taxpayers may rely); (iii) the ERISA Plan and any associated trust have received a favorable determination letter from the IRS stating that the ERISA Plan qualifies under Code Section 401(a), that the associated trust qualifies under Code Section 501(a) and, if applicable, that any cash or deferred arrangement under the ERISA Plan qualifies under Code Section 401(k), unless the ERISA Plan was first adopted at a time for which the above-described “remedial amendment period” has not yet expired; (iv) the ERISA Plan currently satisfies the requirements of Code Section 410(b), without regard to any retroactive amendment that may be made within the above-described “remedial amendment period”; and (v) no contribution made to the ERISA Plan is subject to an excise tax under Code Section 4972. With respect to any Pension Plan, the “accumulated benefit obligation” of Controlled Group members with respect to the Pension Plan (as determined in accordance with Statement of Accounting Standards No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”) does not exceed the fair market value of Pension Plan assets.

(b)       Foreign Pension Plan and Benefit Plans. As of the Closing Date, Schedule 6.10 hereto lists all Foreign Benefit Plans and Foreign Pension Plans currently maintained or contributed to by the Borrower and any appropriate Foreign Subsidiaries. The Foreign Pension Plans are duly registered under all applicable laws which require registration. The Borrower and any appropriate Foreign Subsidiaries have complied with and performed all of its obligations under and in respect of the Foreign Pension Plans and Foreign Benefit Plans under the terms thereof, any funding agreements and all applicable laws (including any fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations) except to the extent as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All employer and employee payments, contributions or premiums to be remitted, paid to or in respect of each Foreign Pension Plan or Foreign Benefit Plan have been paid in a timely fashion in accordance with the terms thereof, any funding agreement and all applicable laws except to the extent the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. There are no outstanding actions or suits concerning the assets of the Foreign Pension Plans or the Foreign Benefit Plans. Each of the Foreign Pension Plans is fully funded on an ongoing basis as required by all laws applicable to such Foreign Pension Plans (using actuarial methods and assumptions as of the date of the valuations last filed with the applicable Governmental Authorities and that are consistent with generally accepted actuarial principles).

Section 6.11. Consents or Approvals. No consent, approval or authorization of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required to be obtained or completed by any Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of any of the Loan Documents, that has not already been obtained or completed, except the filing and recording of financing statements and other documents necessary in order to perfect the Liens of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the Pledged Securities.

Section 6.12. Solvency. The Borrower has received consideration that is the reasonably equivalent value of the obligations and liabilities that the Borrower has incurred to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. The Borrower is not insolvent as defined in any applicable state, federal or relevant foreign statute, nor will the Borrower be rendered insolvent by the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents to the Administrative Agent and the

 

70


Lenders. The Borrower is not engaged or about to engage in any business or transaction for which the assets retained by it are or will be an unreasonably small amount of capital, taking into consideration the obligations to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders incurred hereunder. The Borrower does not intend to, nor does it believe that it will, incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature.

Section 6.13. Financial Statements. The audited Consolidated financial statements of the Borrower for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, furnished to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, are true and complete in all material respects, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and fairly present the financial condition of the Companies as of the date of such financial statements and the results of their operations for the period then ending. Since the date of such statements, there has been no material adverse change in the financial condition, properties or business of the Companies taken as a whole or any material change in the Company’s accounting procedures.

Section 6.14. Regulations. No Company is engaged principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any “margin stock” (within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America). Neither the granting of any Loan (or any conversion thereof) or Letter of Credit nor the use of the proceeds of any Loan or Letter of Credit will violate, or be inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulation T, U or X or any other Regulation of such Board of Governors.

Section 6.15. Material Agreements. Except as disclosed on Schedule 6.15 hereto, as of the Closing Date (or, if Schedule 6.15 has been amended, as of the date of such amendment), no Company is a party to any (a) debt instrument (excluding the Loan Documents); (b) lease (capital, operating or otherwise), whether as lessee or lessor thereunder; (c) contract, commitment, agreement, or other arrangement involving the purchase or sale of any inventory by it, or the license of any right to or by it; (d) contract, commitment, agreement, or other arrangement with any of its “Affiliates” (as such term is defined in the Exchange Act) other than a Company; (e) management or employment contract or contract for personal services with any of its Affiliates that is not otherwise terminable at will or on less than ninety (90) days’ notice without liability; (f) collective bargaining agreement; or (g) other contract, agreement, understanding, or arrangement with a third party; that, as to subparts (a) through (g) above, if violated, breached, or terminated for any reason, would require the future payment of an amount in excess of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000).

Section 6.16. Intellectual Property. Each Company owns, or has the right to use, all of the material patents, patent applications, industrial designs, designs, trademarks, service marks, copyrights and licenses, and rights with respect to the foregoing, necessary for the conduct of its business without any known conflict with the rights of others.

Section 6.17. Insurance. Each Company maintains with financially sound and reputable insurers insurance with coverage (including, if applicable, insurance required by the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994) and limits as required by law and as is customary with Persons engaged in the same businesses as the Companies.

 

71


Section 6.18. Accurate and Complete Statements. Neither the Loan Documents nor any written statement made by any Company in connection with any of the Loan Documents contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein or in the Loan Documents not misleading. After due inquiry by the Borrower, there is no known fact that any Company has not disclosed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that has or is likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 6.19. Investment Company; Other Restrictions. No Company is (a) an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (b) subject to any foreign, federal, state or local statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness as contemplated herein.

Section 6.20. Beneficial Ownership. As of the Closing Date, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification, if applicable, is true and correct in all respects.

Section 6.21. Defaults. No Default or Event of Default exists, nor will any begin to exist immediately after the execution and delivery hereof.

ARTICLE VII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Any of the following specified events shall constitute an Event of Default (each an “Event of Default”):

Section 7.1. Payments. If (a) the interest on any Loan, any commitment or other fee, or any other Obligation not listed in subpart (b) hereof, shall not be paid in full when due and payable or within three Business Days thereafter, or (b) the principal of any Loan, any reimbursement obligation under any Letter of Credit that has been drawn, or any amount owing pursuant to Section 2.11 hereof, shall not be paid in full when due and payable.

Section 7.2. Special Covenants. If any Company shall fail or omit to perform and observe Section 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 5.15 or 5.22 hereof.

Section 7.3. Other Covenants. If any Company shall fail or omit to perform and observe any agreement or other provision (other than those referred to in Section 7.1 or 7.2 hereof) contained or referred to in this Agreement or any other Related Writing that is on such Company’s part to be complied with, and that Default shall not have been fully corrected within thirty (30) days after the earlier of (a) any Financial Officer of such Company becomes aware of the occurrence thereof, or (b) the giving of written notice thereof to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders that the specified Default is to be remedied.

Section 7.4. Representations and Warranties. If any representation, warranty or statement made in or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Related Writing or any other

 

72


material information furnished by any Company to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, or any thereof, shall be false or erroneous in any material respect.

Section 7.5. Cross Default. If any Company shall default in the payment of principal or interest due and owing under any Material Indebtedness Agreement beyond any period of grace provided with respect thereto or in the performance or observance of any other agreement, term or condition contained in any Material Indebtedness Agreement under which such obligation is created, if the effect of such default is to allow the acceleration of the maturity of such Indebtedness or to permit the holder thereof to cause such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity.

Section 7.6. ERISA Default. The occurrence of one or more ERISA Events that (a) the Required Lenders determine could have a Material Adverse Effect, or (b) results in a Lien on any of the assets of any Company.

Section 7.7. Change in Control. If any Change in Control shall occur.

Section 7.8. Judgments. There is entered against any Company:

(a)       a final judgment or order for the payment of money by a court of competent jurisdiction, that remains unpaid or unstayed and undischarged for a period (during which execution shall not be effectively stayed) of thirty (30) days after the date on which the right to appeal has expired, provided that such occurrence shall constitute an Event of Default only if the aggregate of all such judgments for all such Companies, shall exceed Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) (less any amount that will be covered by the proceeds of insurance and is not subject to dispute by the insurance provider); or

(b)       any one or more non-monetary final judgments that are not covered by insurance, or, if covered by insurance, for which the insurance company has not agreed to or acknowledged coverage, and that, in either case, the Required Lenders reasonably determine have, or could be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (i) enforcement proceedings are commenced by the prevailing party or any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (ii) there is a period of three consecutive Business Days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect.

Section 7.9. Security. If any Lien granted in this Agreement or any other Loan Document in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, shall be determined to be (a) void, voidable or invalid, or is subordinated or not otherwise given the priority contemplated by this Agreement and the Borrower (or the appropriate Credit Party) has failed to promptly execute appropriate documents to correct such matters, or (b) unperfected as to any material amount of Collateral (as determined by the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion) and the Borrower (or the appropriate Credit Party) has failed to promptly execute appropriate documents to correct such matters.

 

73


Section 7.10. Validity of Loan Documents. If (a) any material provision, in the sole opinion of the Administrative Agent, of any Loan Document shall at any time cease to be valid, binding and enforceable against any Credit Party; (b) the validity, binding effect or enforceability of any Loan Document against any Credit Party shall be contested by any Credit Party; (c) any Credit Party shall deny that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document; or (d) any Loan Document shall be terminated, invalidated or set aside, or be declared ineffective or inoperative or in any way cease to give or provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders the benefits purported to be created thereby.

Section 7.11. Solvency. If any Company (other than a Dormant Subsidiary) shall (a) except as permitted pursuant to Section 5.12 hereof, discontinue business; (b) generally not pay its debts as such debts become due; (c) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (d) apply for or consent to the appointment of an interim receiver, a receiver, a receiver and manager, an administrator, a sequestrator, a monitor, a custodian, a trustee, an interim trustee, a liquidator, an agent or any other similar official of all or a substantial part of its assets or of such Company; (e) be adjudicated a debtor or insolvent or have entered against it an order for relief under the Bankruptcy Code, or under any other bankruptcy insolvency, liquidation, winding-up, corporate or similar statute or law, foreign, federal, state or provincial, in any applicable jurisdiction, now or hereafter existing, as any of the foregoing may be amended from time to time, or other applicable statute for jurisdictions outside of the United States of America, as the case may be; (f) file a voluntary petition under the Bankruptcy Code or seek relief under any bankruptcy or insolvency or analogous law in any jurisdiction outside of the United States of America, or file a proposal or notice of intention to file such petition; (g) have an involuntary proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code filed against it and the same shall not be controverted within twenty (20) days, or shall continue undismissed for a period of sixty (60) days from commencement of such proceeding or case; (h) file a petition, an answer, an application or a proposal seeking reorganization or an arrangement with creditors or seeking to take advantage of any other law (whether federal, provincial or state, or, if applicable, other jurisdiction) relating to relief of debtors, or admit (by answer, by default or otherwise) the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or other proceeding (whether federal, provincial or state, or, if applicable, other jurisdiction) relating to relief of debtors; (i) suffer or permit to continue unstayed and in effect for sixty (60) consecutive days any judgment, decree or order entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, that approves a petition or an application or a proposal seeking its reorganization or appoints an interim receiver, a receiver and manager, an administrator, custodian, trustee, interim trustee or liquidator of all or a substantial part of its assets, or of such Company; (j) have an administrative receiver appointed over the whole or substantially the whole of its assets, or of such Company; (k) have assets, the value of which is less than its liabilities; or (l) have a moratorium declared in respect of any of its Indebtedness, or any analogous procedure or step is taken in any jurisdiction.

ARTICLE VIII. REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT

Notwithstanding any contrary provision or inference herein or elsewhere:

 

74


Section 8.1. Optional Defaults. If any Event of Default referred to in Section 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, or 7.10 hereof shall occur, the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, and shall, at the written request of the Required Lenders, give written notice to the Borrower to:

(a)       terminate the Commitment, if not previously terminated, and, immediately upon such election, the obligations of the Lenders, and each thereof, to make any further Loan, and the obligation of the Issuing Lender to issue any Letter of Credit, immediately shall be terminated; and/or

(b)       accelerate the maturity of all of the Obligations (if the Obligations are not already due and payable), whereupon all of the Obligations shall become and thereafter be immediately due and payable in full without any presentment or demand and without any further or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

Section 8.2. Automatic Defaults. If any Event of Default referred to in Section 7.11 hereof shall occur:

(a)       all of the Commitment shall automatically and immediately terminate, if not previously terminated, and no Lender thereafter shall be under any obligation to grant any further Loan, nor shall the Issuing Lender be obligated to issue any Letter of Credit; and

(b)       the principal of and interest then outstanding on all of the Loans, and all of the other Obligations, shall thereupon become and thereafter be immediately due and payable in full (if the Obligations are not already due and payable), all without any presentment, demand or notice of any kind, which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

Section 8.3. Letters of Credit. If the maturity of the Obligations shall be accelerated pursuant to Section 8.1 or 8.2 hereof, the Borrower shall immediately deposit with the Administrative Agent, as security for the obligations of the Borrower and any Guarantor of Payment to reimburse the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for any then outstanding Letters of Credit, cash equal to the sum of the aggregate undrawn balance of any then outstanding Letters of Credit. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders are hereby authorized, at their option, to deduct any and all such amounts from any deposit balances then owing by any Lender (or any affiliate of such Lender, wherever located) to or for the credit or account of any Company, as security for the obligations of the Borrower and any Guarantor of Payment to reimburse the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for any then outstanding Letters of Credit.

Section 8.4. Offsets. If there shall occur or exist any Event of Default referred to in Section 7.11 hereof or if the maturity of the Obligations is accelerated pursuant to Section 8.1 or 8.2 hereof, each Lender shall have the right at any time to set off against, and to appropriate and apply toward the payment of, any and all of the Obligations then owing by the Borrower or a Guarantor of Payment to such Lender (including, without limitation, any participation purchased or to be purchased pursuant to Section 2.2(b), 2.2(c) or 8.5 hereof), whether or not the same shall then have matured, any and all deposit (general or special) balances and all other indebtedness then held or owing by such Lender (including, without limitation, by branches and agencies or

 

75


any affiliate of such Lender, wherever located) to or for the credit or account of the Borrower or any Guarantor of Payment, all without notice to or demand upon the Borrower or any other Person, all such notices and demands being hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.

Section 8.5. Equalization Provisions. Each Lender agrees with the other Lenders that, if it at any time shall obtain any Advantage over the other Lenders, or any thereof, in respect of the Obligations (except as to Swing Loans and Letters of Credit prior to the Administrative Agent’s giving of notice to participate and except under Article III hereof), it shall purchase from the other Lenders, for cash and at par, such additional participation in the Obligations as shall be necessary to nullify such Advantage. If any such Advantage resulting in the purchase of an additional participation as aforesaid shall be recovered in whole or in part from the Lender receiving such Advantage, each such purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase price restored (but without interest unless the Lender receiving such Advantage is required to pay interest on such Advantage to the Person recovering such Advantage from such Lender) ratably to the extent of the recovery. Each Lender further agrees with the other Lenders that if it at any time shall receive any payment for or on behalf of the Borrower (or through any Guarantor of Payment) on any Indebtedness owing by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement (whether by voluntary payment, by realization upon security, by reason of offset of any deposit or other indebtedness, by counterclaim or cross-action, by the enforcement of any right under any Loan Document, or otherwise), it will apply such payment first to any and all Obligations owing by the Borrower to that Lender (including, without limitation, any participation purchased or to be purchased pursuant to this Section 8.5 or any other section of this Agreement); provided that, if such Lender exercises any right to set-off generally against deposits held for, or on behalf of the Borrower, such Lender will apply such deposits first to the payment of the Obligations owing by the Borrower to that Lender. Each Credit Party agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from the other Lenders or any thereof pursuant to this Section 8.5 may exercise all of its rights of payment (including the right of set-off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Credit Party in the amount of such participation.

Section 8.6. Other Remedies. The remedies in this Article VIII are in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other right, power, privilege, or remedy, either in law, in equity, or otherwise, to which the Lenders may be entitled. The Administrative Agent shall exercise the rights under this Article VIII and all other collection efforts on behalf of the Lenders and no Lender shall act independently with respect thereto, except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement.

Section 8.7. Application of Proceeds.

(a)       Payments Prior to Exercise of Remedies. Prior to the exercise by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, all monies received by the Administrative Agent in connection with the Revolving Credit Commitment shall be applied, unless otherwise required by the terms of the other Loan Documents or by applicable law, to the Loans and Letters of Credit, as appropriate; provided that the Administrative Agent shall have the right at all times to apply any payment received from the Borrower first to the payment of all obligations (to the extent not paid by the

 

76


Borrower) incurred by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 10.5 hereof and to the payment of Related Expenses.

(b)       Payments Subsequent to Exercise of Remedies. After the exercise by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders of remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, all monies received by the Administrative Agent shall be applied, unless otherwise required by the terms of the other Loan Documents or by applicable law, as follows:

(i)       first, to the payment of all costs, expenses and other amounts (to the extent not paid by the Borrower) incurred by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Sections 10.5 and 10.6 hereof and to the payment of Related Expenses to the Administrative Agent;

(ii)       second, to the payment pro rata of (A) interest then accrued and payable on the outstanding Loans, (B) any fees then accrued and payable to the Administrative Agent, (C) any fees then accrued and payable to the Issuing Lender or the holders of the Letter of Credit Commitment in respect of the Letter of Credit Exposure, (D) any commitment fees, amendment fees and similar fees shared pro rata among the Lenders under this Agreement that are then accrued and payable, and (E) to the extent not paid by the Borrower, to the costs, expenses and other amounts incurred by the Lenders (other than the Administrative Agent) pursuant to Sections 10.5 and 10.6 hereof;

(iii)       third, for payment pro rata of (i) principal outstanding on the Loans and the Letter of Credit Exposure, on a pro rata basis to the Lenders, based upon each such Lender’s Commitment Percentage, provided that the amounts payable in respect of the Letter of Credit Exposure shall be held and applied by the Administrative Agent as security for the reimbursement obligations in respect thereof, and, if any Letter of Credit shall expire without being drawn, then the amount with respect to such Letter of Credit shall be distributed to the Lenders, on a pro rata basis in accordance with this subsection (iii); and (ii) Designated Swap Obligations;

(iv)       fourth, to any remaining Obligations; and

(v)       finally, any remaining surplus after all of the Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or to whomsoever shall be lawfully entitled thereto.

Each Lender hereby agrees to promptly provide all information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent regarding any Designated Swap Obligation.

ARTICLE IX. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

The Lenders authorize KeyBank and KeyBank hereby agrees to act as agent for the Lenders in respect of this Agreement upon the terms and conditions set forth elsewhere in this Agreement, and upon the following terms and conditions:

 

77


Section 9.1. Appointment and Authorization. Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers hereunder as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its affiliates, directors, officers, attorneys or employees shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or in connection herewith, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction), or be responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for the effectiveness, enforceability, genuineness, validity or due execution of this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, (b) be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof or thereof on the part of the Borrower or any other Company, or the financial condition of the Borrower or any other Company, or (c) be liable to any of the Companies for consequential damages resulting from any breach of contract, tort or other wrong in connection with the negotiation, documentation, administration or collection of the Loans or Letters of Credit or any of the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Administrative Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or participant, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” herein and in other Loan Documents with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.

Section 9.2. Note Holders. The Administrative Agent may treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof (or, if there is no Note, the holder of the interest as reflected on the books and records of the Administrative Agent) until written notice of transfer shall have been filed with the Administrative Agent, signed by such payee and in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

Section 9.3. Consultation With Counsel. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel selected by the Administrative Agent and shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered in good faith by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the opinion of such counsel.

Section 9.4. Documents. The Administrative Agent shall not be under any duty to examine into or pass upon the validity, effectiveness, genuineness or value of any Loan Document or any other Related Writing furnished pursuant hereto or in connection herewith or the value of any collateral obtained hereunder, and the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to assume that the same are valid, effective and genuine and what they purport to be.

Section 9.5. Administrative Agent and Affiliates. KeyBank and its affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire equity interests in

 

78


and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with the Companies and Affiliates as though KeyBank were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without notice to or consent of any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that, pursuant to such activities, KeyBank or its affiliates may receive information regarding any Company or any Affiliate (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of such Company or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to provide such information to other Lenders. With respect to Loans and Letters of Credit (if any), KeyBank and its affiliates shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though KeyBank were not the Administrative Agent, and the terms “Lender” and “Lenders” include KeyBank and its affiliates, to the extent applicable, in their individual capacities.

Section 9.6. Knowledge or Notice of Default. The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless the Administrative Agent has received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Required Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all Lenders); provided that, unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable, in its discretion, for the protection of the interests of the Lenders.

Section 9.7. Action by Administrative Agent. Subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, so long as the Administrative Agent shall be entitled, pursuant to Section 9.6 hereof, to assume that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to use its discretion with respect to exercising or refraining from exercising any rights that may be vested in it by, or with respect to taking or refraining from taking any action or actions that it may be able to take under or in respect of, this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement by acting upon any notice, certificate, warranty or other paper or instrument believed by it to be genuine or authentic or to be signed by the proper party or parties, or with respect to anything that it may do or refrain from doing in the reasonable exercise of its judgment, or that may seem to it to be necessary or desirable in the premises. Without limiting the foregoing, no Lender shall have any right of action whatsoever against the Administrative Agent as a result of the Administrative Agent’s acting or refraining from acting hereunder in accordance with the instructions of the Required Lenders.

Section 9.8. Release of Guarantor of Payment or Pledge of Stock. In the event of a merger, sale of assets or other transaction permitted pursuant to Section 5.12 hereof or otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement, the Administrative Agent, at the request and expense of the Borrower, is hereby authorized by the Lenders to release, in connection therewith, one or more Guarantors of Payment or pledge of stock, as appropriate, upon the written request of the Borrower.

 

79


Section 9.9. Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel and other consultants or experts concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

Section 9.10. Indemnification of Administrative Agent. The Lenders agree to indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower) ratably, according to their respective Commitment Percentages, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent in its capacity as agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent with respect to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) or disbursements resulting from the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, or from any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent in any capacity other than as agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document. No action taken in accordance with the directions of the Required Lenders shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 9.10. The undertaking in this Section 9.10 shall survive repayment of the Loans, cancellation of the Notes, if any, expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit, termination of the Commitment, any foreclosure under, or modification, release or discharge of, any or all of the Loan Documents, termination of this Agreement and the resignation or replacement of the agent.

Section 9.11. Successor Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may resign as agent hereunder by giving not fewer than thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Borrower and the Lenders. If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by notice in writing to the Borrower and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent. If the Administrative Agent shall resign under this Agreement, then either (a) the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders (with the consent of the Borrower so long as an Event of Default does not exist and which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), or (b) if a successor agent shall not be so appointed and approved within the thirty (30) day period following the Administrative Agent’s notice to the Lenders of its resignation, then the Administrative Agent shall appoint a successor agent that shall serve as agent until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent. Upon its appointment, such successor agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties as agent, and the term “Administrative Agent” means such successor effective upon its appointment, and the former agent’s rights, powers and duties as agent shall be terminated without any other or further act or deed on the part of such former agent or any of the parties to this Agreement.

 

80


Section 9.12. Issuing Lender. The Issuing Lender shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing Lender and the documents associated therewith. The Issuing Lender shall have all of the benefits and immunities (a) provided to the Administrative Agent in this Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the Issuing Lender in connection with the Letters of Credit and the applications and agreements for letters of credit pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent”, as used in this Article IX, included the Issuing Lender with respect to such acts or omissions, and (b) as additionally provided in this Agreement with respect to the Issuing Lender.

Section 9.13. Swing Line Lender. The Swing Line Lender shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Swing Loans. The Swing Line Lender shall have all of the benefits and immunities (a) provided to the Administrative Agent in this Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the Swing Line Lender in connection with the Swing Loans as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent”, as used in this Article IX, included the Swing Line Lender with respect to such acts or omissions, and (b) as additionally provided in this Agreement with respect to the Swing Line Lender.

Section 9.14. Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to any Credit Party, (a) the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to (i) file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent) allowed in such judicial proceedings, and (ii) collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; and (b) any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.

Section 9.15. No Reliance on Administrative Agent’s Customer Identification Program. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that neither such Lender, nor any of its affiliates,

 

81


participants or assignees, may rely on the Administrative Agent to carry out such Lender’s or its affiliate’s, participant’s or assignee’s customer identification program, or other obligations required or imposed under or pursuant to the Patriot Act or the regulations thereunder, including the regulations contained in 31 CFR 103.121 (as hereafter amended or replaced, the “CIP Regulations”), or any other anti-terrorism law, including any programs involving any of the following items relating to or in connection with the Borrower, its Affiliates or agents, the Loan Documents or the transactions hereunder: (a) any identity verification procedures, (b) any record keeping, (c) any comparisons with government lists, (d) any customer notices or (e) any other procedures required under the CIP Regulations or such other laws.

Section 9.16. Other Agents. The Administrative Agent shall have the continuing right from time to time to designate one or more Lenders (or its or their affiliates) as “syndication agent”, “co-syndication agent”, “documentation agent”, “co-documentation agent”, “book runner”, “lead arranger”, “joint lead arranger”, “arrangers” or other designations for purposes hereof. Any such designation referenced in the previous sentence or listed on the cover of this Agreement shall have no substantive effect, and any such Lender and its affiliates so referenced or listed shall have no additional powers, duties, responsibilities or liabilities as a result thereof, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender, the Swing Line Lender or the Issuing Lender hereunder.

Section 9.17. Designated Swap Obligation Lender. No Lender (or affiliate thereof) that is a holder of a Designated Swap Obligation shall have any right to receive notice of any action or to consent to, direct or object to any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document (or to receive notice of or to consent to any amendment, waiver or modification of the provisions hereof or of any other Loan Document) other than in its capacity as a Lender and, in such case, only to the extent expressly provided in the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, any Designated Swap Obligation, except to the extent expressly provided herein and unless the Administrative Agent has received the confirmation required under the definition of Designated Swap Obligation, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request from the applicable Lender (or affiliate thereof).

ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS

Section 10.1. Lenders’ Independent Investigation. Each Lender, by its signature to this Agreement, acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent has made no representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the creditworthiness, financial condition, or any other condition of any Company or with respect to the statements contained in any information memorandum furnished in connection herewith or in any other oral or written communication between the Administrative Agent and such Lender. Each Lender represents that it has made and shall continue to make its own independent investigation of the creditworthiness, financial condition and affairs of the Companies in connection with the extension of credit hereunder, and agrees that the Administrative Agent has no duty or responsibility, either initially or on a continuing basis, to provide any Lender with any credit or other information with respect thereto

 

82


(other than such notices as may be expressly required to be given by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders hereunder), whether coming into its possession before the first Credit Event hereunder or at any time or times thereafter. Each Lender further represents that it has reviewed each of the Loan Documents.

Section 10.2. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No omission or course of dealing on the part of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the holder of any Note (or, if there is no Note, the holder of the interest as reflected on the books and records of the Administrative Agent) in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy hereunder or under any of the Loan Documents. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and in addition to any other rights, powers or privileges held under any of the Loan Documents or by operation of law, by contract or otherwise.

Section 10.3. Amendments, Waivers and Consents.

(a)      General Rule. No amendment, modification, termination, or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document nor consent to any variance therefrom (other than pursuant to Section 2.9 or 3.4(c) hereof), shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Required Lenders and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.

(b)      Exceptions to the General Rule. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section 10.3:

(i)      Consent of Lenders Affected Required. No amendment, modification, waiver or consent shall (A) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (B) extend the date scheduled for payment of any principal (excluding any mandatory prepayments) of or interest on the Loans or Letter of Credit reimbursement obligations or commitment fees payable hereunder without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby, (C) reduce the principal amount of any Loan, the stated rate of interest thereon (provided that the institution of the Default Rate or post default interest and a subsequent removal of the Default Rate or post default interest shall not constitute a decrease in interest rate pursuant to this Section 10.3(b)) or the stated rate of commitment fees payable hereunder, the amount of principal to be reimbursed when a Letter of Credit is drawn, or the stated rate of any Letter of Credit fees payable for the pro rata benefit of the Lenders, without the consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (except for periodic adjustments of interest rates and commitment fees resulting from a change in the Applicable Margin as provided for in this Agreement), (D) change the manner of pro rata application of any payments made by the Borrower to the Lenders hereunder, without the consent of each Lender directly affected thereby, (E) without the unanimous consent of the Lenders, change any percentage voting requirement, voting rights, or the Required Lenders definition in this Agreement, (F) without the unanimous consent of the Lenders, release the Borrower or any Guarantor of Payment or of any material amount of collateral securing the Obligations, except in

 

83


connection with a transaction specifically permitted hereunder, or (G) without the unanimous consent of the Lenders, amend this Section 10.3 or Section 8.5 or 8.7 hereof.

(ii)      Provisions Relating to Special Rights and Duties. No provision of this Agreement affecting the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such shall be amended, modified or waived without the consent of the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent Fee Letter may be amended or modified by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower without the consent of any other Lender. No provision of this Agreement relating to the rights or duties of the Issuing Lender in its capacity as such shall be amended, modified or waived without the consent of the Issuing Lender. No provision of this Agreement relating to the rights or duties of the Swing Line Lender in its capacity as such shall be amended, modified or waived without the consent of the Swing Line Lender.

(iii)      Technical and Conforming Modifications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, technical and conforming modifications to the Loan Documents may be made with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (A) if such modifications are not adverse to the Lenders and are requested by Governmental Authorities, (B) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or (C) to the extent necessary to integrate any increase in the Commitment or new Loans pursuant to Section 2.9(b) hereof.

(c)      Replacement of Non-Consenting Lender. If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, the consent of all Lenders is required, but only the consent of Required Lenders is obtained, (any Lender withholding consent as described in this subsection being referred to as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then, so long as the Administrative Agent is not the Non-Consenting Lender, the Administrative Agent may (and shall, if requested by the Borrower), at the sole expense of the Borrower, upon notice to such Non-Consenting Lender and the Borrower, require such Non-Consenting Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with the restrictions contained in Section 10.10 hereof) all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to a financial institution acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that such Non-Consenting 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 such financial institution (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts, including any breakage compensation under Article III hereof).

(d)      Generally. Notice of amendments, waivers or consents ratified by the Lenders hereunder shall be forwarded by the Administrative Agent to all of the Lenders. Each Lender or other holder of a Note, or if there is no Note, the holder of the interest as reflected on the books and records of the Administrative Agent (or interest in any Loan or Letter of Credit) shall be bound by any amendment, waiver or consent obtained as authorized by this Section 10.3, regardless of its failure to agree thereto.

 

84


Section 10.4. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and, if to the Borrower, mailed or delivered to it, addressed to it at the address specified on the signature pages of this Agreement, if to a Lender, mailed or delivered to it, addressed to the address of such Lender specified on the signature pages of this Agreement, or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to each of the other parties. All notices, statements, requests, demands and other communications provided for hereunder shall be deemed to be given or made when delivered (if received during normal business hours on a Business Day, such Business Day, otherwise the following Business Day) or two Business Days after being deposited in the mails with postage prepaid by registered or certified mail, addressed as aforesaid, or sent by facsimile or electronic communication, in each case of facsimile or electronic communication with telephonic confirmation of receipt. All notices hereunder shall not be effective until received. For purposes of Article II hereof, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely on telephonic instructions from any person that the Administrative Agent in good faith believes is an Authorized Officer, and the Borrower shall hold the Administrative Agent and each Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense resulting from any such reliance.

Section 10.5. Costs, Expenses and Documentary Taxes. The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all reasonable costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent and all Related Expenses, including but not limited to (a) syndication, administration, travel and out-of-pocket expenses, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees and expenses, of the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, negotiation and closing of the Loan Documents and the administration of the Loan Documents, and the collection and disbursement of all funds hereunder and the other instruments and documents to be delivered hereunder, (b) extraordinary expenses of the Administrative Agent in connection with the administration of the Loan Documents and the other instruments and documents to be delivered hereunder, and (c) the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of special counsel for the Administrative Agent, with respect to the foregoing, and of local counsel, if any, who may be retained by said special counsel with respect thereto. The Borrower also agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses (including Related Expenses) of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, in connection with the restructuring or enforcement of the Obligations, this Agreement or any other Related Writing. In addition, the Borrower shall pay any and all stamp, transfer, documentary and other taxes, assessments, charges and fees payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents, and the other instruments and documents to be delivered hereunder, and agrees to hold the Administrative Agent and each Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting from any delay in paying or failure to pay such taxes or fees. All obligations provided for in this Section 10.5 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

Section 10.6. Indemnification. The Borrower agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender and the Lenders (and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, attorneys, agents and employees) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with any investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding (whether or not such

 

85


Lender or the Administrative Agent shall be designated a party thereto) or any other claim by any Person relating to or arising out of any Loan Document or any actual or proposed use of proceeds of the Loans or any of the Obligations, or any activities of any Company or its Affiliates; provided that no Lender nor the Administrative Agent shall have the right to be indemnified under this Section 10.6 for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. All obligations provided for in this Section 10.6 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

Section 10.7. Obligations Several; No Fiduciary Obligations. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint. Nothing contained in this Agreement and no action taken by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders pursuant hereto shall be deemed to constitute the Administrative Agent or the Lenders a partnership, association, joint venture or other entity. No default by any Lender hereunder shall excuse the other Lenders from any obligation under this Agreement; but no Lender shall have or acquire any additional obligation of any kind by reason of such default. The relationship between the Borrower and the Lenders with respect to the Loan Documents and the other Related Writings is and shall be solely that of debtor and creditors, respectively, and neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any fiduciary obligation toward any Credit Party with respect to any such documents or the transactions contemplated thereby.

Section 10.8. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, and by facsimile or other electronic signature, each of which counterparts when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

Section 10.9. Binding Effect; Borrower’s Assignment. This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and all of the Lenders.

Section 10.10. Lender Assignments.

(a)      Assignments of Commitments. Each Lender shall have the right at any time or times to assign to an Eligible Transferee (other than to a Defaulting Lender), without recourse, all or a percentage of all of the following: (i) such Lender’s Commitment, (ii) all Loans made by that Lender, (iii) such Lender’s Notes, and (iv) such Lender’s interest in any Letter of Credit or Swing Loan, and any participation purchased pursuant to Section 2.2(b) or (c) or Section 8.5 hereof.

(b)      Prior Consent. No assignment may be consummated pursuant to this Section 10.10 without the prior written consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (other than an assignment by any Lender to any affiliate of such Lender which affiliate is an Eligible

 

86


Transferee and either wholly-owned by a Lender or is wholly-owned by a Person that wholly owns, either directly or indirectly, such Lender, or to another Lender), which consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided that (i) the consent of the Borrower shall not be required if, at the time of the proposed assignment, any Default or Event of Default shall then exist, and (ii) the Borrower shall be deemed to have granted its consent unless the Borrower has objected to such assignment in writing within ten Business Days after notice thereof. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, 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; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

(c)      Minimum Amount. Each such assignment shall be in a minimum amount of the lesser of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) of the assignor’s Commitment and interest herein, or the entire amount of the assignor’s Commitment and interest herein.

(d)      Assignment Fee. Unless the assignment shall be to an affiliate of the assignor or the assignment shall be due to merger of the assignor or for regulatory purposes, either the assignor or the assignee shall remit to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, an administrative fee of Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500).

(e)      Assignment Agreement. Unless the assignment shall be due to merger of the assignor or a collateral assignment for regulatory purposes, the assignor shall (i) cause the assignee to execute and deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent an Assignment Agreement, and (ii) execute and deliver, or cause the assignee to execute and deliver, as the case may be, to the Administrative Agent such additional amendments, assurances and other writings as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require.

(f)      Non-U.S. Assignee. If the assignment is to be made to an assignee that is a Foreign Lender, the assignor Lender shall cause such assignee, at least five Business Days prior to the effective date of such assignment, (i) to represent to the assignor Lender (for the benefit of the assignor Lender, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower) that under applicable law and treaties no taxes will be required to be withheld by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower or the assignor with respect to any payments to be made to such assignee in respect of the Loans hereunder, (ii) to furnish to the assignor Lender, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower all such forms or documents required pursuant to Section 3.2(e)(ii)(B) and (C) hereof, and (iii) to agree (for the benefit of the assignor, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower) to provide to the assignor Lender, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, upon the expiration or obsolescence of any previously delivered form and comparable statements, replacement forms and documents required pursuant to Section 3.2(e)(ii)(B) and (C) hereof, as applicable, in accordance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations and amendments duly executed and completed by such assignee, and to comply from time to time with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations with regard to such withholding tax exemption.

 

87


(g)      Deliveries by Borrower. Upon satisfaction of all applicable requirements specified in subsections (a) through (f) above, the Borrower shall execute and deliver (i) to the Administrative Agent, the assignor and the assignee, any consent or release (of all or a portion of the obligations of the assignor) required to be delivered by the Borrower in connection with the Assignment Agreement, and (ii) to the assignee, if requested, and the assignor, if applicable, an appropriate Note or Notes. After delivery of the new Note or Notes, the assignor’s Note or Notes, if any, being replaced shall be returned to the Borrower marked “replaced”.

(h)      Effect of Assignment. Upon satisfaction of all applicable requirements set forth in subsections (a) through (g) above, and any other condition contained in this Section 10.10, (i) the assignee shall become and thereafter be deemed to be a “Lender” for the purposes of this Agreement, (ii) the assignor shall be released from its obligations hereunder to the extent that its interest has been assigned, (iii) in the event that the assignor’s entire interest has been assigned, the assignor shall cease to be and thereafter shall no longer be deemed to be a “Lender” and (iv) the signature pages hereto and the Register shall be automatically amended, without further action, to reflect the result of any such assignment.

(i)      Administrative Agent to Maintain Register. The Administrative Agent shall maintain at the address for notices referred to in Section 10.4 hereof a copy of each Assignment Agreement delivered to it and a register (the “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 from time to time. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as the owner of the Loan recorded therein for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

Section 10.11. Sale of Participations. Any Lender may, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking business and in accordance with applicable law, at any time sell participations to one or more Eligible Transferees (each a “Participant”) in all or a portion of its rights or obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of the Commitment and the Loans and participations owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it); provided that:

(a)      any such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall remain unchanged;

(b)      such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations;

(c)      the parties hereto shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents;

(d)      such Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 8.4 hereof as if it was a Lender and bound by the provisions of Section 8.5 hereof, and the Lender selling such

 

88


participation shall obtain from such Participant a written confirmation of its agreement to be so bound; and

(e)      no Participant (unless such Participant is itself a Lender) shall be entitled to require such Lender to take or refrain from taking action under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document, except that such Lender may agree with such Participant that such Lender will not, without such Participant’s consent, take action of the type described as follows:

(i)      increase the portion of the participation amount of any Participant over the amount thereof then in effect, or extend the Commitment Period, without the written consent of each Participant affected thereby; or

(ii)      reduce the principal amount of or extend the time for any payment of principal of any Loan, or reduce the rate of interest or extend the time for payment of interest on any Loan, or reduce the commitment fee, without the written consent of each Participant affected thereby.

The Borrower agrees that any Lender that sells participations pursuant to this Section 10.11 shall still be entitled to the benefits of Article III hereof, notwithstanding any such transfer; provided that the obligations of the Borrower shall not increase as a result of such transfer and the Borrower shall have no obligation to any Participant. Each Lender that sells a participation shall maintain a register on which such Lender enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

Section 10.12. Defaulting Lenders.

(a)      Defaulting Lender Adjustments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law:

(i)      Waivers and Amendments. Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in the definition of Required Lenders. Any amendment, waiver or consent (A) requiring the consent of all the Lenders or each affected Lender that by its

 

89


terms affects such Defaulting Lender more adversely than the other affected Lenders, or (B) that has the effect of increasing or extending the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender, extending the maturity of any Loan of such Defaulting Lender, or reducing the rate of interest of any Loan or the forgiving of the principal amount of any Loan held by such Defaulting Lender, in each case of (A) or (B) hereof, shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

(ii)      Defaulting Lender Waterfall. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII hereof or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 8.5 hereof shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: (A) first, to the payment of amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; (B) second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Lender or Swing Line Lender hereunder; (C) third, to Cash Collateralize the Issuing Lender’s Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with Section 2.12 hereof; (D) fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; (E) fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (1) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement, and (2) Cash Collateralize the Issuing Lender’s future Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with Section 2.12 hereof; (F) sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Lender or the Swing Line Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the Issuing Lender or the Swing Line Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; (G) seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and (H) eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that, if (y) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or any Letters of Credit in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (z) such Loans were made or reimbursement of any payment on any Letters of Credit were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.1 hereof were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and the Letter of Credit Exposure owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or Letter of Credit Exposure owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in the Letter of Credit Exposure and Swing Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitment under the applicable facility without giving effect to Section 10.12(a)(iv) hereof. Any payments,

 

90


prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 10.12(a)(ii) hereof shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

(iii)      Certain Fees.

(A)      No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any Commitment Fee for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).

(B)      Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive letter of credit fees, as set forth in Section 2.2(b) hereof for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Commitment Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 2.12 hereof.

(C)      With respect to any fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to subpart (A) or (B) above, the Borrower shall (1) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in the Letter of Credit Exposure or Swing Loans that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to subpart (iv) below, (2) pay to the Issuing Lender and Swing Line Lender, as applicable, the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to the Issuing Lender’s or Swing Line Lender’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (3) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee.

(iv)      Reallocation of Participations to Reduce Fronting Exposure. All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in the Letter of Credit Exposure and Swing Loans shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages with respect thereto (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment) but only to the extent that such reallocation does not cause the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure of any Non-Defaulting Lender to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Commitment Percentage with respect to the Revolving Credit Commitment. No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

(v)      Cash Collateral, Repayment of Swing Loans. If the reallocation described in subpart (iv) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under law, (y) first, prepay Swing Loans in an amount equal to the Swing Line Lender’s Fronting Exposure

 

91


and (z) second, Cash Collateralize the Issuing Lenders’ Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.12 hereof.

(b)      Defaulting Lender Cure. If Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender and the Issuing Lender agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), such Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be reasonably necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Loans to be held pro rata by the Lenders in accordance with the Commitments under the applicable facility (without giving effect to Section 10.12(a)(iv) hereof), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that (i) no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender, and (ii) except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

(c)      New Swing Loan and Letters of Credit. So long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, (i) the Swing Line Lender shall not be required to fund any Swing Loan unless it is satisfied that it will have no Fronting Exposure after giving effect to such Swing Loan, and (ii) the Issuing Lender shall not be required to issue, extend, renew or increase any Letter of Credit unless it is satisfied that it will have no Fronting Exposure after giving effect thereto.

(d)      Replacement of Defaulting Lenders. Each Lender agrees that, during the time in which any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent shall have the right (and the Administrative Agent shall, if requested by the Borrower), at the sole expense of the Borrower, upon notice to such Defaulting Lender and the Borrower, to require that such Defaulting Lender assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with the restrictions contained in Section 10.10 hereof), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an Eligible Transferee, approved by the Borrower (unless an Event of Default shall exist) and the Administrative Agent, that shall assume such obligations; provided that such Defaulting 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 such financial institution (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts, including any breakage compensation under Article III hereof), in each case, to the extent required hereunder.

Section 10.13. Patriot Act Notice. Each Lender, and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any other party), hereby notifies the Credit Parties that, pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, such Lender and the Administrative Agent are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Credit Parties, which information includes the name and address of each of the Credit Parties and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Credit Parties in accordance with the Patriot Act. The Borrower shall provide, to the extent commercially reasonable, such

 

92


information and take such actions as are reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or a Lender in order to assist the Administrative Agent or such Lender in maintaining compliance with the Patriot Act.

Section 10.14. Severability of Provisions; Captions; Attachments. Any provision of this Agreement that shall be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. The several captions to sections and subsections herein are inserted for convenience only and shall be ignored in interpreting the provisions of this Agreement. Each schedule or exhibit attached to this Agreement shall be incorporated herein and shall be deemed to be a part hereof.

Section 10.15. Investment Purpose. Each of the Lenders represents and warrants to the Borrower that it is entering into this Agreement with the present intention of acquiring any Note issued pursuant hereto (or, if there is no Note, the interest as reflected on the books and records of the Administrative Agent) for investment purposes only and not for the purpose of distribution or resale, it being understood, however, that each Lender shall at all times retain full control over the disposition of its assets.

Section 10.16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, any Note and any other Loan Document or other agreement, document or instrument attached hereto or executed on or as of the Closing Date integrate all of the terms and conditions mentioned herein or incidental hereto and supersede all oral representations and negotiations and prior writings with respect to the subject matter hereof (except with respect to any provisions of the Administrative Agent Fee Letter or any commitment letter and fee letter between the Borrower and KeyBank that by their terms survive the termination of such agreements, in each case, which shall remain in full force and effect after the Closing Date).

Section 10.17. Limitations on Liability of the Issuing Lender. The Borrower assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee of any Letter of Credit with respect to its use of such Letters of Credit. Neither the Issuing Lender nor any of its officers or directors shall be liable or responsible for (a) the use that may be made of any Letter of Credit or any acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee in connection therewith; and (b) the validity, sufficiency or genuineness of documents, or of any endorsement thereon, even if such documents should prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or forged. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the Issuing Lender may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation.

Section 10.18. General Limitation of Liability. No claim may be made by any Credit Party, any Lender, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender or any other Person against the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, or any other Lender or the affiliates, directors, officers, employees, attorneys or agents of any of them for any damages other than actual compensatory damages in respect of any claim for breach of contract or any other theory of liability arising out of or related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection therewith; and the

 

93


Borrower, each Lender, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Lender hereby, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, waive, release and agree not to sue or counterclaim upon any such claim for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in their favor and regardless of whether any Lender, Issuing Lender, or the Administrative Agent has been advised of the likelihood of such loss of damage; provided that nothing in this Section 10.18 shall relieve the Borrower of any obligation it may have to indemnify an indemnitee under Section 10.6 hereof for damages asserted against such indemnitee by a third party.

Section 10.19. No Duty. All attorneys, accountants, appraisers, consultants and other professional persons (including the firms or other entities on behalf of which any such Person may act) retained by the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents shall have the right to act exclusively in the interest of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and shall have no duty of disclosure, duty of loyalty, duty of care, or other duty or obligation of any type or nature whatsoever to the Borrower, any other Companies, or any other Person, with respect to any matters within the scope of such representation or related to their activities in connection with such representation. The Borrower agrees, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, not to assert any claim or counterclaim against any such persons with regard to such matters, all such claims and counterclaims, now existing or hereafter arising, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseeable, being hereby waived, released and forever discharged.

Section 10.20. Legal Representation of Parties. The Loan Documents were negotiated by the parties with the benefit of legal representation and any rule of construction or interpretation otherwise requiring this Agreement or any other Loan Document to be construed or interpreted against any party shall not apply to any construction or interpretation hereof or thereof.

Section 10.21. Judgment Currency.

(a)      This is an international transaction in which the obligations of the Credit Parties under this Agreement to make payment to or for account of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in a specified currency (“Original Currency”) shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender or recovery pursuant to any judgment expressed in or converted into any other currency (“Judgment Currency”) except to the extent that such tender or recovery results in the effective receipt by the Administrative Agent or such Lender of the full amount in Original Currency payable to the Administrative Agent or such Lender under this Agreement.

(b)      If the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, or any other holder of the Obligations (the “Applicable Creditor”), obtains a judgment or judgments against any Credit Party in respect of any sum adjudged to be due to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder or under the Notes (the “Judgment Amount”) in a Judgment Currency other than the Original Currency, the obligations of such Credit Party in connection with such judgment shall be discharged only to the extent that (i) on the Business Day following receipt by the Applicable Creditor of any sum adjudged to be so due in the Judgment Currency, such Applicable Creditor, in accordance with the normal banking procedures in the relevant jurisdiction, can purchase the

 

94


Original Currency with the Judgment Currency, and (ii) if the amount of Original Currency that could have been purchased pursuant to subpart (i) above is less than the amount of Original Currency that could have been purchased with the Judgment Amount on the date or dates the Judgment Currency was originally due and owing to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder (the “Loss”), such Credit Party or the Borrower, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, indemnifies the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, against such Loss. The Borrower hereby agrees to such indemnification. For purposes of determining the equivalent in one currency of another currency as provided in this Section 10.21, such amount shall include any premium and costs payable in connection with the conversion into or from any currency. The obligations of the Credit Parties contained in this Section 10.21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of all other amounts owing hereunder.

Section 10.22. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

(a)      the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder that may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and

(b)      the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

(i)      a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

(ii)      a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

(iii)      the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.

Section 10.23. ERISA Representations.

(a)      Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and its affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

 

95


(i)      such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of 29 C.F.R. § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitment;

(ii)      the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitment and this Agreement;

(iii)      (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitment and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitment and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitment and this Agreement; or

(iv)      such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

(b)      In addition, unless either (i) subsection (a)(i) above is true with respect to a Lender or (ii) a Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant in accordance with subsection (a)(iv) above, such Lender further (A) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (B) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and its affiliates and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, that none of the Administrative Agent or any of its affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the assets of such Lender involved in such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related hereto or thereto).

(c)      The Administrative Agent hereby informs the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide impartial investment advice, or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial

 

96


interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitment and this Agreement, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitment for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitment by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.

Section 10.24. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction.

(a)      Governing Law. This Agreement, each of the Notes and any other Related Writing (except as otherwise set forth in any Loan Document executed by a Foreign Subsidiary) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York and the respective rights and obligations of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders shall be governed by New York law.

(b)      Submission to Jurisdiction. The Borrower hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York state or federal court sitting in New York County, New York, over any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Obligations or any other Related Writing (except as otherwise set forth in any Loan Document executed by a Foreign Subsidiary), and the Borrower hereby irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York state or federal court. The Borrower, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue in any action or proceeding in any such court as well as any right it may now or hereafter have to remove such action or proceeding, once commenced, to another court on the grounds of FORUM NON CONVENIENS or otherwise. The Borrower agrees that a final, non-appealable 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.

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

97


JURY TRIAL WAIVER. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, AMONG THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS, OR ANY THEREOF, ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED AMONG THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY NOTE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Credit Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

Address:

  

400 North Ashley Drive

Suite 2800

  

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

  

Tampa, Florida 33602

  

By:

  

/s/ James T. Holder

  

Attn: Executive Vice President

            and General Counsel

     

James T. Holder

Executive Vice President, General

    Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


Address:

  

127 Public Square

Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1306

Attention: Institutional Bank

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line

Lender, the Issuing Lender and as a Lender

    

By:

  

/s/ David A. Wild

       

 

David A. Wild

Senior Vice President

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


Address:        101 E. Kennedy Blvd.                                   BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
   FL1-400-05-03                                                 
   Tampa, FL 33602                                                    By: /s/ Cameron Cardozo                                 
   Attention: Cameron Cardozo                        Name: Cameron Cardozo                                 
         Title: Senior Vice President                            

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


Address:        Prudential Tower                                        CITIBANK, N.A.
   800 Boylston Street                                     
   Boston, MA 02199                                             By: /s/ Ronald Homa                                             
   Attention: Ronald Homa                           Name: Ronald Homa                                             
         Title: Senior Vice President                                   

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


Address:

  

3475 Piedmont Road NE

  

CITIZENS BANK, N.A.

  

Suite 1260

     
  

Atlanta, GA 30305

  

By:

  

/s/ Tyler Stephens

  

Attention: Tyler Stephens

     

Tyler Stephens

        

Vice President

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


Address:

  

425 Walnut Street

  

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

  

8th Floor

     
  

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

  

By:

  

/s/ Rodney J. Winters

  

Attention: Rodney J. Winters

     

Rodney J. Winters

        

Vice President

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


Address:

  

200 Park Avenue, Suite 100

  

SANTANDER BANK, N.A.

  

Florham Park, NJ 07932

     
  

Attention: Larisa Chilton

  

By:

  

/s/ William Latham

William Latham

Senior Vice President

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


Address:

  

100 South Ashley Drive

Suite 1000

  

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL

    ASSOCIATION

  

Tampa, Florida 33602

     
  

Attention: Lynn E. Culbreath

  

By:

  

/s/ Lynn E. Culbreath

        

Lynn E. Culbreath

Senior Vice President

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


Address:        615 South College Street                                        REGIONS BANK
   Suite 600                                                           
   Charlotte, NC 28202                                      By: /s/ Jason Douglas                                             
   Attention: Jason Douglas                               Name: Jason Douglas                                             
         Title: Director                                                        

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


Address:    300 Fifth Avenue                                           PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
   One PNC Plaza                                             
   Pittsburgh, PA 15222                                     By: /s/ Daniel Beckwith                                     
   Attention: Gerri Dillard                                 Name: Daniel Beckwith                                     
         Title: Senior Vice President                              

Signature Page to

Credit Agreement


SCHEDULE 1

COMMITMENTS OF LENDERS

 

       
LENDERS   

COMMITMENT

    PERCENTAGE    

 

MAXIMUM

    AMOUNT    

  

TOTAL

    COMMITMENT    
AMOUNT

KeyBank National Association

 

   16.00%

 

  $80,000,000

 

   $80,000,000

 

Bank of America, N.A.

 

   14.00%

 

  $70,000,000

 

   $70,000,000

 

Citibank, N.A.

 

   14.00%

 

  $70,000,000

 

   $70,000,000

 

Citizens Bank, N.A.

 

   12.00%

 

  $60,000,000

 

   $60,000,000

 

U.S. Bank National Association

 

   12.00%

 

  $60,000,000

 

   $60,000,000

 

Santander Bank, N.A.

 

   8.00%

 

  $40,000,000

 

   $40,000,000

 

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

 

   8.00%

 

  $40,000,000

 

   $40,000,000

 

Regions Bank

 

   8.00%

 

  $40,000,000

 

   $40,000,000

 

PNC Bank, National Association

 

   8.00%

 

  $40,000,000

 

   $40,000,000

 

     100%   $500,000,000     

 

Total Commitment Amount

            $500,000,000

 

S-1


SCHEDULE 2

GUARANTORS OF PAYMENT

Alpine Access, Inc., a Delaware corporation

BuyCalls, LLC, a Utah limited liability company

Clear Link Insurance Agency, LLC, a Utah limited liability company

Clear Link Technologies, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

ICT Accounts Receivable Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation

ICT Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation

I-Dish.com, LLC, a Utah limited liability company

LeadAmp, LLC, a Utah limited liability company

Local Results, LLC, a Utah limited liability company

SEI Consulting Services, Inc., a Florida corporation

SEI Employment Services, Inc., a Florida corporation

Sykes Acquisition Corporation II, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Sykes Realty, Inc., a Florida corporation

Symphony Ventures, Inc., a Delaware corporation

The Domain Locker, LLC, a Wyoming limited liability company

WhistleOut Inc., a Delaware corporation

 

S-2


SCHEDULE 3

PLEDGED SECURITIES

 

Pledgor    Name of Subsidiary   

    Jurisdiction of    
Subsidiary

 

       Shares            Certificate    
Number
       Ownership    
Percentage

Sykes

    Enterprises,

    Incorporated

 

  

Sykes Australia Pty

    Limited

   New South     Wales    65    2    65%*

Sykes

    Enterprises,

    Incorporated

  

SEI Offshore

    Holdings Operations  

    S.a.r.l.

 

   Luxembourg    N/A    N/A    65%*
           

Alpine Access,

    Inc.

  

Alpine Access

    Canada Inc.

       Canada   

65

Common Shares

 

2,600,000

Class A Shares

 

  

C-4

 

 

 

AS-3

   65%*

 

 

 

65%*

           

Whistleout Inc.

  

WhistleOut

    Technology Inc.

 

       Canada    100    001    65%*

* 100% of non-voting shares and equity interests and 65% of voting shares or equity interest constitute Pledged Securities

 

S-3


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF

REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

 

$                

                   , 20    

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED, a Florida corporation (the “Borrower”), promises to pay, on the last day of the Commitment Period, as defined in the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), to the order of                                          (“Lender”) at the main office of KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as the Administrative Agent, as hereinafter defined, 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1306 the principal sum of

 

                                                                                  AND 00/100   ..........................................................................DOLLARS

or the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Loans, as defined in the Credit Agreement, made by Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2(a) of the Credit Agreement, whichever is less (or, in the event of currency fluctuations on Alternate Currency Loans, such greater amount as may be outstanding), in lawful money of the United States of America; provided that Revolving Loans that are Alternate Currency Loans, as defined in the Credit Agreement, shall be payable in the applicable Alternate Currency, as defined in the Credit Agreement, at the place or places designated in the Credit Agreement. The Borrower also agrees to pay any additional amount that is required to be paid pursuant to Section 10.21 of the Credit Agreement.

As used herein, “Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement dated as of February 14, 2019, among the Borrower, the Lenders, as defined therein, and KeyBank National Association, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”), as the same may from time to time be amended, restated or otherwise modified. Each capitalized term used herein that is defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan from time to time outstanding, from the date of such Revolving Loan until the payment in full thereof, at the rates per annum that shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.3(a) of the Credit Agreement. Such interest shall be payable on each date provided for in such Section 2.3(a); provided that interest on any principal portion that is not paid when due shall be payable on demand.

The portions of the principal sum hereof from time to time representing Base Rate Loans and LIBOR Fixed Rate Loans, interest owing thereon and payments of principal and interest of any thereof, shall be shown on the records of Lender by such method as Lender may generally employ; provided that failure to make any such entry shall in no way detract from the obligations of the Borrower under this Note or the Credit Agreement.

If this Note shall not be paid at maturity, whether such maturity occurs by reason of lapse of time or by operation of any provision for acceleration of maturity contained in the Credit

 

E-1


Agreement, the principal hereof and the unpaid interest thereon shall bear interest, pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, until paid, at a rate per annum equal to the Default Rate. All payments of principal of and interest on this Note shall be made in immediately available funds.

This Note is one of the Revolving Credit Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for a description of the right of the undersigned to anticipate payments hereof, the right of the holder hereof to declare this Note due prior to its stated maturity, and other terms and conditions upon which this Note is issued.

Except as expressly provided in the Credit Agreement, the Borrower expressly waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

JURY TRIAL WAIVER. THE BORROWER, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, AMONG THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS, OR ANY THEREOF, ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED AMONG THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THIS NOTE OR ANY OTHER NOTE OR INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO.

 

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

By:                                                                    

Name:                                                              

Title:                                                                 

 

E-2


EXHIBIT B

FORM OF

SWING LINE NOTE

 

$15,000,000                

                   , 20    

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED, a Florida corporation, (the “Borrower”), promises to pay to the order of KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “Swing Line Lender”) at the main office of KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as the Administrative Agent, as hereinafter defined, 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1306 the principal sum of

 

FIFTEEN MILLION AND 00/100

  ..........................................................................................................DOLLARS

or the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Swing Loans, as defined in the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), made by the Swing Line Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2(c) of the Credit Agreement, whichever is less, in lawful money of the United States of America on the earlier of the last day of the Commitment Period, as defined in the Credit Agreement, or, with respect to each Swing Loan, the Swing Loan Maturity Date applicable thereto.

As used herein, “Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement dated as of February 14, 2019, among the Borrower, the Lenders, as defined therein, and KeyBank National Association, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”), as the same may from time to time be amended, restated or otherwise modified. Each capitalized term used herein that is defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Credit Agreement.

The Borrower also promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Swing Loan from time to time outstanding, from the date of such Swing Loan until the payment in full thereof, at the rates per annum that shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.3(b) of the Credit Agreement. Such interest shall be payable on each date provided for in such Section 2.3(b); provided that interest on any principal portion that is not paid when due shall be payable on demand.

The principal sum hereof from time to time, and the payments of principal and interest thereon, shall be shown on the records of the Swing Line Lender by such method as the Swing Line Lender may generally employ; provided that failure to make any such entry shall in no way detract from the obligations of the Borrower under this Note or the Credit Agreement.

If this Note shall not be paid at maturity, whether such maturity occurs by reason of lapse of time or by operation of any provision for acceleration of maturity contained in the Credit Agreement, the principal hereof and the unpaid interest thereon shall bear interest, pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, until paid, at a rate per annum equal to the Default Rate. All payments of principal of and interest on this Note shall be made in immediately available funds.

 

E-3


This Note is the Swing Line Note referred to in the Credit Agreement and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for a description of the right of the undersigned to anticipate payments hereof, the right of the holder hereof to declare this Note due prior to its stated maturity, and other terms and conditions upon which this Note is issued.

Except as expressly provided in the Credit Agreement, the Borrower expressly waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

JURY TRIAL WAIVER. THE BORROWER, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, AMONG THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS, OR ANY THEREOF, ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED AMONG THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THIS NOTE OR ANY OTHER NOTE OR INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO.

 

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

By:                                                                    

Name:                                                              

Title:                                                                 

 

E-4


EXHIBIT C

FORM OF

NOTICE OF LOAN

                                     , 20        

KeyBank National Association, as the Administrative Agent

127 Public Square

Cleveland, Ohio 44114-1306

Attention: Institutional Bank

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, on behalf of SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED, a Florida corporation (the “Borrower”), refers to the Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2019 (the “Credit Agreement”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the Lenders, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”), and hereby gives you notice, pursuant to Section 2.5 of the Credit Agreement that the Borrower hereby requests a Loan under the Credit Agreement, and in connection therewith sets forth below the information relating to the Loan (the “Proposed Loan”) as required by Section 2.5 of the Credit Agreement:

 

  (a)

The Business Day of the Proposed Loan is                     , 20    .

 

  (b)

The amount of the Proposed Loan is $                            .

 

  (c)

The Proposed Loan is to be a Base Rate Loan         / Eurodollar Loan         / Alternate Currency Loan         / Swing Loan       .

   

(Check one.)

 

  (d)

If the Proposed Loan is LIBOR Fixed Rate Loan, the Interest Period requested is one month       , two months       , three months       , six months         .

   

(Check one.)

 

  (e)

If the Proposed Loan is an Alternate Currency Loan, the Alternate Currency requested is                       .

The undersigned hereby certifies on behalf of the Borrower that the following statements are true on the date hereof, and will be true on the date of the Proposed Loan:

(i)       the representations and warranties contained in each Loan Document are true and correct in all material respects, before and after giving effect to the Proposed Loan and the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made on and as of such date;

 

E-5


(ii)       no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Proposed Loan, or the application of proceeds therefrom, that constitutes a Default or Event of Default; and

(iii)       the conditions set forth in Section 2.5 and Article IV of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.

 

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

By:                                                                    

Name:                                                              

Title:                                                                 

 

E-6


EXHIBIT D

FORM OF

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

For Fiscal Quarter ended                                     

THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT:

(1)       I am the duly elected President or Chief Financial Officer of SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED, a Florida corporation (the “Borrower”);

(2)       I am familiar with the terms of that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2019, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto (together with their respective successors and assigns, collectively, the “Lenders”), as defined in the Credit Agreement, and KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as the Administrative Agent (as the same may from time to time be amended, restated or otherwise modified, the “Credit Agreement”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), and the terms of the other Loan Documents, and I have made, or have caused to be made under my supervision, a review in reasonable detail of the transactions and condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements;

(3)       The review described in paragraph (2) above did not disclose, and I have no knowledge of, the existence of any condition or event that constitutes or constituted a Default or Event of Default, at the end of the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements or as of the date of this Certificate;

(4)       The representations and warranties made by the Borrower contained in each Loan Document are true and correct in all material respects as though made on and as of the date hereof; and

(5)       Set forth on Attachment I hereto are calculations of the financial covenants set forth in Section 5.7 of the Credit Agreement, which calculations show compliance with the terms thereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this certificate the       day of                         , 20      .

 

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

By:                                                                    

Name:                                                              

Title:                                                                 

 

E-7


EXHIBIT E

FORM OF

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

This Assignment and Acceptance Agreement (this “Assignment Agreement”) between                                              (the “Assignor”) and                                              (the “Assignee”) is dated as of                     , 20    . The parties hereto agree as follows:

1.       Preliminary Statement. Assignor is a party to a Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2019 (as the same may from time to time be amended, restated or otherwise modified, the “Credit Agreement”), among SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED, a Florida corporation (the “Borrower”), the lenders party thereto (together with their respective successors and assigns, collectively, the “Lenders” and, individually, each a “Lender”), and KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings attributed to them in the Credit Agreement.

2.       Assignment and Assumption. Assignor hereby sells and assigns to Assignee, and Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from Assignor, an interest in and to Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement, effective as of the Assignment Effective Date (as hereinafter defined), equal to the percentage interest specified on Annex 1 hereto (hereinafter, the “Assigned Percentage”) of Assignor’s right, title and interest in and to (a) the Commitment, (b) any Loan made by Assignor that is outstanding on the Assignment Effective Date, (c) Assignor’s interest in any Letter of Credit outstanding on the Assignment Effective Date, (d) any Note delivered to Assignor pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and (e) the Credit Agreement and the other Related Writings. After giving effect to such sale and assignment and on and after the Assignment Effective Date, Assignee shall be deemed to have a “Commitment Percentage” under the Credit Agreement equal to the Commitment Percentage set forth in subpart II.A on Annex 1 hereto and an Assigned Amount as set forth on subpart I.B of Annex 1 hereto (hereinafter, the “Assigned Amount”).

3.       Assignment Effective Date. The Assignment Effective Date (the “Assignment Effective Date”) shall be [                             ,             ] (or such other date agreed to by the Administrative Agent). On or prior to the Assignment Effective Date, Assignor shall satisfy the following conditions:

(a)       receipt by the Administrative Agent of this Assignment Agreement, including Annex 1 hereto, properly executed by Assignor and Assignee and accepted and consented to by the Administrative Agent and, if necessary pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.10(b) of the Credit Agreement, by the Borrower;

(b)       receipt by the Administrative Agent from Assignor of a fee of Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500), if required by Section 10.10(d) of the Credit Agreement;

(c)       receipt by the Administrative Agent from Assignee of an administrative questionnaire, or other similar document, which shall include (i) the address for notices under the

 

E-8


Credit Agreement, (ii) the address of its Lending Office, (iii) wire transfer instructions for delivery of funds by the Administrative Agent, and (iv) such other information as the Administrative Agent shall request; and

(d)       receipt by the Administrative Agent from Assignor or Assignee of any other information required pursuant to Section 10.10 of the Credit Agreement or otherwise necessary to complete the transaction contemplated hereby.

4.       Payment Obligations. In consideration for the sale and assignment of Loans hereunder, Assignee shall pay to Assignor, on the Assignment Effective Date, the amount agreed to by Assignee and Assignor. Any interest, fees and other payments accrued prior to the Assignment Effective Date with respect to the Assigned Amount shall be for the account of Assignor. Any interest, fees and other payments accrued on and after the Assignment Effective Date with respect to the Assigned Amount shall be for the account of Assignee. Each of Assignor and Assignee agrees that it will hold in trust for the other party any interest, fees or other amounts which it may receive to which the other party is entitled pursuant to the preceding sentence and to pay the other party any such amounts which it may receive promptly upon receipt thereof.

5.       Credit Determination; Limitations on Assignor’s Liability. Assignee represents and warrants to Assignor, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (a) that it is capable of making and has made and shall continue to make its own credit determinations and analysis based upon such information as Assignee deemed sufficient to enter into the transaction contemplated hereby and not based on any statements or representations by Assignor; (b) Assignee confirms that it meets the requirements to be an assignee as set forth in Section 10.10 of the Credit Agreement; (c) Assignee confirms that it is able to fund the Loans and the Letters of Credit as required by the Credit Agreement; (d) Assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement and the other Related Writings are required to be performed by it as a Lender thereunder; and (e) Assignee represents that it has reviewed each of the Loan Documents. It is understood and agreed that the assignment and assumption hereunder are made without recourse to Assignor and that Assignor makes no representation or warranty of any kind to Assignee and shall not be responsible for (i) the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or collectability of the Credit Agreement or any other Related Writings, (ii) any representation, warranty or statement made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any of the other Related Writings, (iii) the financial condition or creditworthiness of the Borrower or any Guarantor of Payment, (iv) the performance of or compliance with any of the terms or provisions of the Credit Agreement or any of the other Related Writings, (v) the inspection of any of the property, books or records of the Borrower, or (vi) the validity, enforceability, perfection, priority, condition, value or sufficiency of any collateral securing or purporting to secure the Loans or Letters of Credit. Neither Assignor nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents or attorneys shall be liable for any mistake, error of judgment, or action taken or omitted to be taken in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Credit Agreement or the other Related Writings, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Assignee appoints the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such

 

E-9


powers under the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms thereof.

6.       Indemnity. Assignee agrees to indemnify and hold Assignor harmless against any and all losses, cost and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and liabilities incurred by Assignor in connection with or arising in any manner from Assignee’s performance or non-performance of obligations assumed under this Assignment Agreement.

7.       Subsequent Assignments. After the Assignment Effective Date, Assignee shall have the right, pursuant to Section 10.10 of the Credit Agreement, to assign the rights which are assigned to Assignee hereunder, provided that (a) any such subsequent assignment does not violate any of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, any of the other Related Writings, or any law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction or decree and that any consent required under the terms of the Credit Agreement or any of the other Related Writings has been obtained, (b) the assignee under such assignment from Assignee shall agree to assume all of Assignee’s obligations hereunder in a manner satisfactory to Assignor, and (c) Assignee is not thereby released from any of its obligations to Assignor hereunder.

8.       Reductions of Aggregate Amount of Commitments. If any reduction in the Total Commitment Amount occurs between the date of this Assignment Agreement and the Assignment Effective Date, the percentage of the Total Commitment Amount assigned to Assignee shall remain the percentage specified in Section 1 hereof and the dollar amount of the Commitment of Assignee shall be recalculated based on the reduced Total Commitment Amount.

9.       Acceptance of the Administrative Agent; Notice by Assignor. This Assignment Agreement is conditioned upon the acceptance and consent of the Administrative Agent and, if necessary pursuant to Section 10.10 of the Credit Agreement, upon the acceptance and consent of the Borrower; provided that the execution of this Assignment Agreement by the Administrative Agent and, if necessary, by the Borrower is evidence of such acceptance and consent.

10.       Entire Agreement. This Assignment Agreement embodies the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties hereto relating to the subject matter hereof.

11.       Governing Law. This Assignment Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

12.       Notices. Notices shall be given under this Assignment Agreement in the manner set forth in the Credit Agreement. For the purpose hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto (until notice of a change is delivered) shall be the address set forth under each party’s name on the signature pages hereof.

13.       Counterparts. This Assignment Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, by different parties hereto in separate counterparts and by facsimile signature, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

 

E-10


JURY TRIAL WAIVER. EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO HAVE A JURY PARTICIPATE IN RESOLVING ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, AMONG THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY OF THE LENDERS, AND THE BORROWER, OR ANY THEREOF, ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, RELATED TO, OR INCIDENTAL TO THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED AMONG THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THIS ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT OR ANY NOTE OR OTHER AGREEMENT, INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Assignment Agreement by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.

 

               [NAME OF THE ASSIGNOR]
Address:  

 

   

 

 

 

   
  Attn:                                                                                    By:                                                                                  
  Phone:                                                                                Name:                                                                            
  Fax:                                                                                     Title:                                                                               
          [NAME OF THE ASSIGNEE]
Address:  

 

     

 

 

 

   
  Attn:                                                                                    By:                                                                                  
  Phone:                                                                                Name:                                                                            
  Fax:                                                                                     Title:                                                                               
Accepted and Consented to this ___ day of         , 20    :     Accepted and Consented to this ___ day of             , 20    :
KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as the Administrative Agent     [SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED]
    By:                                                                                  
By:                                                                                                      Name:                                                                            
Name:                                                                                                 Title:                                                                               
Title:                                                                                                  

 

E-11


ANNEX 1

TO

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT

On and after the Assignment Effective Date, after giving effect to all other assignments being made by Assignor on the Assignment Effective Date, the Commitment of Assignee, and, if this is less than an assignment of all of Assignor’s interest, Assignor, shall be as follows:

 

I.

    

INTEREST BEING ASSIGNED TO ASSIGNEE

  
    

A.

    

Assigned Percentage

  

                     %

    

B.

    

Assigned Amount

  

$                    

II.

    

ASSIGNEE’S COMMITMENT (as of the Assignment Effective Date)

  
    

A.

    

Assignee’s Commitment Percentage

  
         

under the Credit Agreement

  

                     %

    

B.

    

Assignee’s Commitment Amount under

  
         

the Credit Agreement

  

$                    

III.

    

ASSIGNOR’S COMMITMENT (as of the Assignment Effective Date)

  
    

A.

    

Assignor’s Commitment Percentage

  
         

under the Credit Agreement

  

                     %

    

B.

    

Assignor’s Commitment Amount

  
         

under the Credit Agreement

  

$                    

 

E-12


EXHIBIT F-1

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2019 (the “Credit Agreement”), among Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, a Florida corporation, (the “Borrower”), the Lenders, as defined therein, and KeyBank National Association, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”).

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.2 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (a) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (b) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (c) it is not a ten percent (10%) shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN-E. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (i) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (ii) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

Date:                      , 20[ ]

 

E-13


EXHIBIT F-2

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2019 (the “Credit Agreement”), among Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, a Florida corporation, (the “Borrower”), the Lenders, as defined therein, and KeyBank National Association, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”).

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.2 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (a) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (b) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (c) it is not a ten percent (10%) shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, and (d) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN-E. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (i) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (ii) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

Date:                      , 20[ ]

 

E-14


EXHIBIT F-3

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2019 (the “Credit Agreement”), among Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, a Florida corporation, (the “Borrower”), the Lenders, as defined therein, and KeyBank National Association, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”).

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.2 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (a) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (b) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (c) with respect such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (d) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent (10%) shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (e) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (A) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (B) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

Date:                      , 20[ ]

 

E-15


EXHIBIT F-4

FORM OF

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2019 (the “Credit Agreement”), among Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, a Florida corporation, (the “Borrower”), the Lenders, as defined therein, and KeyBank National Association, as the administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”).

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.2 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (a) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (b) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (c) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (d) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent (10%) shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (e) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (A) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (B) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

Date:                      , 20[ ]

 

E-16